Let’s Play Cheat Your Own Adventure!
The rules are at the link. Please read them first (it takes all of three minutes). If you are called on, just roll some real dice and be honest about the result.
The Port of Despair!
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Tone: Creepy, tense
Your ship capsized two days ago. Everyone was lost. But you managed to hold your breath long enough to reach the surface, and swim to a landing boat that got shaken loose.
You were starting to think perhaps you were the unlucky one, floating around in the middle of the ocean, with little to eat and nothing to drink. A prolonged, agonizing death for you, it seemed. But then you saw it! An island, with a little dock and everything, appearing from behind a curtain of mist.
It’s nighttime now as you row the boat up to the rickety, weathered pier. You get out, stretch, take a look around. Eventually you see the light of a lantern in the distance. Someone is approaching.
Ok, give me my options (with page numbers). I will make my selection at 8 pm EST, or when I have about ten to choose from (whichever comes first).
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByS4_7KbXro_UUE5NHlMMFhFaTg/view?usp=sharing
To call upon the power of the deep waters that capsized you, turn to page 32.
To call upon the power of the deep waters that capsized you, turn to page 32.
If you hide behind a rock outcropping in ambush, turn to page 127.
If you hide behind a rock outcropping in ambush, turn to page 127.
to rush into the trees and observe your visitor from concealment, turn to page 34…
to rush into the trees and observe your visitor from concealment, turn to page 34…
To announce yourself to the stranger and seek their aid, turn to page 66.
To announce yourself to the stranger and seek their aid, turn to page 66.
To search for a weapon, in case they are hostile, turn to page 22
To search for a weapon, in case they are hostile, turn to page 22
To straighten your blouse and run your fingers through your hair to make yourself more presentable, turn to page 84.
To straighten your blouse and run your fingers through your hair to make yourself more presentable, turn to page 84.
Chris McDermott I’m turning to page 84. The difficulty is ‘1.’ Roll the dice and narrate accordingly.
Chris McDermott I’m turning to page 84. The difficulty is ‘1.’ Roll the dice and narrate accordingly.
An 8 was rolled, success!
From the gloom emerges a haggard old salt. He peers at you with his one good eye. At his side is a dog, its tail between its legs. The mutt’s terror split equally between her master and the baleful moon that hangs low in the sky.
“Luck and love don’t often wash up on these shores, least of all when a red tide is about to begin.”, the old man croaks. “The Keeper will want to see this gift.” He beckons you to follow.
“Give me just a moment, so that I may tie up my boat.”, you ask.
“Leave it. That vessel will take you nowhere ever again.”
The moon starts to turn red and panic finally gets the best of the dog. It tears off along the beach, stopping when it reaches a cave entrance. She looks pitifully at you from the mouth of the cave.
“Come quickly, it would be a shame to waste a thing such as you to what will roll in next on this tide.”
The old man turns and leaves the pier, heading towards a stone path that leads up a dark, forested hill.
Following Jason’s lead, give me my options (with page numbers). I will make my selection at 9 pm EST, or when I have about ten to choose from (whichever comes first).
An 8 was rolled, success!
From the gloom emerges a haggard old salt. He peers at you with his one good eye. At his side is a dog, its tail between its legs. The mutt’s terror split equally between her master and the baleful moon that hangs low in the sky.
“Luck and love don’t often wash up on these shores, least of all when a red tide is about to begin.”, the old man croaks. “The Keeper will want to see this gift.” He beckons you to follow.
“Give me just a moment, so that I may tie up my boat.”, you ask.
“Leave it. That vessel will take you nowhere ever again.”
The moon starts to turn red and panic finally gets the best of the dog. It tears off along the beach, stopping when it reaches a cave entrance. She looks pitifully at you from the mouth of the cave.
“Come quickly, it would be a shame to waste a thing such as you to what will roll in next on this tide.”
The old man turns and leaves the pier, heading towards a stone path that leads up a dark, forested hill.
Following Jason’s lead, give me my options (with page numbers). I will make my selection at 9 pm EST, or when I have about ten to choose from (whichever comes first).
If you follow him, scanning the path for something you can use as a weapon, turn to pg. 42.
If you follow him, scanning the path for something you can use as a weapon, turn to pg. 42.
If you whistle for the dog to come with you, and run the other way down the beach, turn to page 69.
If you whistle for the dog to come with you, and run the other way down the beach, turn to page 69.
If you instead follow the dog to the mouth of the cave, turn to page 265
If you instead follow the dog to the mouth of the cave, turn to page 265
If you’ve never been referred to as a ‘gift’ before and are flattered to be taken to the Keeper, follow the old man up the stone path, turn to page 88.
If you’ve never been referred to as a ‘gift’ before and are flattered to be taken to the Keeper, follow the old man up the stone path, turn to page 88.
If you look up to see why the red light of the moon made the dog panic so, turn to page 17.
If you look up to see why the red light of the moon made the dog panic so, turn to page 17.
To catch up with the old man and ask about the red tide, turn to page 52.
To catch up with the old man and ask about the red tide, turn to page 52.
To secure the boat, what does he know anyway, turn to page 306
To secure the boat, what does he know anyway, turn to page 306
Your pick, Chris McDermott.
Your pick, Chris McDermott.
Ok, I’m going to pick, just to keep things going. Ferrell Riley, you’re up. The difficulty is ‘2.’
Ok, I’m going to pick, just to keep things going. Ferrell Riley, you’re up. The difficulty is ‘2.’
Excellent! We rolled a 12, so let’s continue onward!
You step forward, and the old man takes only a single glance backwards to see if you are following, before continuing upwards. Waiting for half a breath, you dart to the side, the sound of the roaring surf masking the splashing steps, and erasing your tracks from the wet sand.
Stepping through the cold waters, you follow your canine companion into the mouth of a small cave. Looking around, it is pitch black inside, with only the light of the moon and stars to guide you. It does provide enough light however, to shine upon a stack of old worn crates. Your attention is drawn elsewhere however, as the dog nudges you with his nose, and proceeds further into the cave. You hesitate, unsure of how to proceed, and your situation is given a sense of urgency, as the voice of the old man is heard, calling for you from outside. What do you do?
Following Jason’s lead, give me my options (with page numbers). I will make my selection at 8 pm EST, or when I have about ten to choose from (whichever comes first).
Excellent! We rolled a 12, so let’s continue onward!
You step forward, and the old man takes only a single glance backwards to see if you are following, before continuing upwards. Waiting for half a breath, you dart to the side, the sound of the roaring surf masking the splashing steps, and erasing your tracks from the wet sand.
Stepping through the cold waters, you follow your canine companion into the mouth of a small cave. Looking around, it is pitch black inside, with only the light of the moon and stars to guide you. It does provide enough light however, to shine upon a stack of old worn crates. Your attention is drawn elsewhere however, as the dog nudges you with his nose, and proceeds further into the cave. You hesitate, unsure of how to proceed, and your situation is given a sense of urgency, as the voice of the old man is heard, calling for you from outside. What do you do?
Following Jason’s lead, give me my options (with page numbers). I will make my selection at 8 pm EST, or when I have about ten to choose from (whichever comes first).
If you acquired the Amulet of Bones from Book 4, The Isle of the Unliving, turn to page 61.
If you acquired the Amulet of Bones from Book 4, The Isle of the Unliving, turn to page 61.
If you decide to investigate the crates, turn to page 99.
If you decide to investigate the crates, turn to page 99.
If you strip off your outer cloak exposing your svelt midriff and follow the dog deeper in the cave, turn to page 43.
If you strip off your outer cloak exposing your svelt midriff and follow the dog deeper in the cave, turn to page 43.
If your nostrils catch an unusual scent from the cave’s interior, clearly what the dog is reacting to, turn to page 113..
If your nostrils catch an unusual scent from the cave’s interior, clearly what the dog is reacting to, turn to page 113..
I have to go with Timothy Bennett and that svelt midriff. Turning to page 43!
I have to go with Timothy Bennett and that svelt midriff. Turning to page 43!
Awesome. I see your feeling my Laura Croft vibe. Let me check the rules and make sure I know what to do next…
Awesome. I see your feeling my Laura Croft vibe. Let me check the rules and make sure I know what to do next…
OK, I think I’ve got this. I believe the difficulty is now 3. We rolled a 4… whew… skin of our teeth.
Shedding your outerwear, you feel the chill of the cave and the dampness in the air as it condenses on your bare abdomen. Just to the other side of the crates, the dog looks at you, cocking its head to one side the way dogs do when they are trying to tell you something. You walk over to the dog and squat and give it good scratch between the ears, noticing its collar for the first time and the tags with the word ‘Keeper” engraved on it. A brief smirk breaks upon your face and you hear the old man’s voice calling out once again in the distance.
Looking down you see a piece of a busted crate and you think, a club perhaps? Maybe a torch? A splint? Seems useful enough as you grab it in one hand and follow the dog deeper in to the cave. After a few hundred paces, you come to a hole in the cave floor leading to some dark cavern below and there’s a old makeshift wooden ladder disappearing into the darkness. The dog has stopped and is sniffing the air rising up from the pit. Behind you the sound of the old man is gone, replaced with a growl of animal hunger and rage. The cave tunnel continues on, but the dog keeps staring into the pit. What do you do?
Give me my options with page numbers and I’ll make my choice at noon CST or when I have 10 or so whichever comes first.
OK, I think I’ve got this. I believe the difficulty is now 3. We rolled a 4… whew… skin of our teeth.
Shedding your outerwear, you feel the chill of the cave and the dampness in the air as it condenses on your bare abdomen. Just to the other side of the crates, the dog looks at you, cocking its head to one side the way dogs do when they are trying to tell you something. You walk over to the dog and squat and give it good scratch between the ears, noticing its collar for the first time and the tags with the word ‘Keeper” engraved on it. A brief smirk breaks upon your face and you hear the old man’s voice calling out once again in the distance.
Looking down you see a piece of a busted crate and you think, a club perhaps? Maybe a torch? A splint? Seems useful enough as you grab it in one hand and follow the dog deeper in to the cave. After a few hundred paces, you come to a hole in the cave floor leading to some dark cavern below and there’s a old makeshift wooden ladder disappearing into the darkness. The dog has stopped and is sniffing the air rising up from the pit. Behind you the sound of the old man is gone, replaced with a growl of animal hunger and rage. The cave tunnel continues on, but the dog keeps staring into the pit. What do you do?
Give me my options with page numbers and I’ll make my choice at noon CST or when I have 10 or so whichever comes first.
To descend the ladder into the pit, turn to page 117.
To descend the ladder into the pit, turn to page 117.
Yeah, I want to see what’s down that pit. Turning to page 117. Robert Ruthven, you are up with difficulty 4.
Yeah, I want to see what’s down that pit. Turning to page 117. Robert Ruthven, you are up with difficulty 4.
I rolled an 8, so our adventurer is still safe…for now.
–
You climb down the ladder and descend into the pit. Whatever residual light was filtering in from outside is no use to you down here. But there is something, a glint in the dark as if something were catching light despite its absence from this place.
You step towards the mysterious glimmer, but as you do, something dry and brittle snaps and crunches under your foot, giving you a moments pause.
At that very same moment, you hear that animalistic growl again; still distant, but maybe not as much so as before. What do you do?
–
Give me your options with page numbers and I’ll make my choice at 7pm GMT/2pm CST, or when there’s about 10 or so. Whichever comes first.
I rolled an 8, so our adventurer is still safe…for now.
–
You climb down the ladder and descend into the pit. Whatever residual light was filtering in from outside is no use to you down here. But there is something, a glint in the dark as if something were catching light despite its absence from this place.
You step towards the mysterious glimmer, but as you do, something dry and brittle snaps and crunches under your foot, giving you a moments pause.
At that very same moment, you hear that animalistic growl again; still distant, but maybe not as much so as before. What do you do?
–
Give me your options with page numbers and I’ll make my choice at 7pm GMT/2pm CST, or when there’s about 10 or so. Whichever comes first.
If you bend down to see what snapped beneath your foot, turn to page 32.
If you bend down to see what snapped beneath your foot, turn to page 32.
If you obtained the Blood of the Bat from Book 3, “The Second Trial of Dracula”, turn to page 47
If you obtained the Blood of the Bat from Book 3, “The Second Trial of Dracula”, turn to page 47
To rush forward and snatch the glimmering object, turn to page 221.
To rush forward and snatch the glimmering object, turn to page 221.
I’m gonna turn to page 32. Jason Cordova, you’re up.
I’m gonna turn to page 32. Jason Cordova, you’re up.
The difficulty is ‘5’ and I rolled a ‘5.’
You quickly glance down to see what it was you stepped on. It appears to be a bone. A rib, perhaps? And there are more: a femur, a jaw bone, a skeletal hand. The light is dim, but you’re crawling now, and you can feel them. The floor is littered with bones; dozens, maybe hundreds. You get your hands around a human skull and then you hear the growling, from above you this time. It’s crawling along the ceiling. Its eyes are glowing red and locked on you.
(I’ll make my choice around 8 pm EST, or whenever I get six or seven responses).
The difficulty is ‘5’ and I rolled a ‘5.’
You quickly glance down to see what it was you stepped on. It appears to be a bone. A rib, perhaps? And there are more: a femur, a jaw bone, a skeletal hand. The light is dim, but you’re crawling now, and you can feel them. The floor is littered with bones; dozens, maybe hundreds. You get your hands around a human skull and then you hear the growling, from above you this time. It’s crawling along the ceiling. Its eyes are glowing red and locked on you.
(I’ll make my choice around 8 pm EST, or whenever I get six or seven responses).
To shove the plank from the crate into the skull to form a creepy makeshift mace, turn to page 113.
To shove the plank from the crate into the skull to form a creepy makeshift mace, turn to page 113.
If you rush forward toward the glinting object, turn to page 320.
If you rush forward toward the glinting object, turn to page 320.
If you hurl the skull at the glowing eyes, turn to page 151
If you hurl the skull at the glowing eyes, turn to page 151
To whistle for the dog to come to your aid, turn to page 196.
To whistle for the dog to come to your aid, turn to page 196.
Ok, let’s go with page 320. You’re up, steven watkins. The difficulty is ‘6.’
Ok, let’s go with page 320. You’re up, steven watkins. The difficulty is ‘6.’
I rolled a ‘7.’
From your bent stance, you take off in a burst of speed–like a sprint runner–toward the glint of light. You barely spot the polished spear tip as you feel the rush of air behind you. With a quick lunge, you brace the haft of the spear against the floor, and lift the point up behind you. As you glance back, you see something that looks like a cross between a chimpanzee and a bat as it plunges onto the spear.
You toss it’s lifeless body onto the floor near you, but retrieve the spear.
(Please note in your Journal that you have found the Spear of Destiny.)
Looking around you, there are two passages. One is on the other side of what appears to be an altar of some type. The other looks to head in the direction of the hill that the old man was climbing up above.
What do you do?
I will make my choice on Tuesday around 10pm CST or whenever I have six or seven to choose from.
I rolled a ‘7.’
From your bent stance, you take off in a burst of speed–like a sprint runner–toward the glint of light. You barely spot the polished spear tip as you feel the rush of air behind you. With a quick lunge, you brace the haft of the spear against the floor, and lift the point up behind you. As you glance back, you see something that looks like a cross between a chimpanzee and a bat as it plunges onto the spear.
You toss it’s lifeless body onto the floor near you, but retrieve the spear.
(Please note in your Journal that you have found the Spear of Destiny.)
Looking around you, there are two passages. One is on the other side of what appears to be an altar of some type. The other looks to head in the direction of the hill that the old man was climbing up above.
What do you do?
I will make my choice on Tuesday around 10pm CST or whenever I have six or seven to choose from.
If you take time to cook and eat your fresh kill, turn to page 18.
If you take time to cook and eat your fresh kill, turn to page 18.
If you move towards the stairs upward, turn to page 44
If you move towards the stairs upward, turn to page 44
If you kneel and pray to the quixotic deities of the subterrene altar, turn to page 666.
If you kneel and pray to the quixotic deities of the subterrene altar, turn to page 666.
If you move on past the altar, paying it no mind, turn to page 667.
If you move on past the altar, paying it no mind, turn to page 667.
If you recognize the altar as something wholly demonic and attempt to destroy it, turn to page 3.
If you recognize the altar as something wholly demonic and attempt to destroy it, turn to page 3.
I turn to page 666. Eric Farmer , you are up.
I turn to page 666. Eric Farmer , you are up.
Difficulty was 7, and I rolled an 8!
Recalling phrases recovered from moth-eaten tomes, you ply the deities of this cavern with the rituals that so few save yourself could possibly perform. You approach the altar bowing and genuflecting the 13 Obeasances of the Leprous Lord, forming the 8 Impossible Mudras of Disembodied Chel and whispering the 11 Hoary Words, combined with the corpse offering of the chimp-bat, you feel the ancient gods stir from their slumber and turn their alien attention to you.
From the passage that leads to the hill, a gust of air rushes down, smelling of incense and bringing the sound of voices. The Spear of Destiny grows colder and colder in your hands. The quixotic deities are whispering council and aid directly into your mind. What do you?
Let’s shoot for 1pm Central, or a multitude of responses. I’m heading out of town and I don’t know how much internet I will have. If I go dark for an unacceptable length of time, Jason Cordova will you keep things moving?
Difficulty was 7, and I rolled an 8!
Recalling phrases recovered from moth-eaten tomes, you ply the deities of this cavern with the rituals that so few save yourself could possibly perform. You approach the altar bowing and genuflecting the 13 Obeasances of the Leprous Lord, forming the 8 Impossible Mudras of Disembodied Chel and whispering the 11 Hoary Words, combined with the corpse offering of the chimp-bat, you feel the ancient gods stir from their slumber and turn their alien attention to you.
From the passage that leads to the hill, a gust of air rushes down, smelling of incense and bringing the sound of voices. The Spear of Destiny grows colder and colder in your hands. The quixotic deities are whispering council and aid directly into your mind. What do you?
Let’s shoot for 1pm Central, or a multitude of responses. I’m heading out of town and I don’t know how much internet I will have. If I go dark for an unacceptable length of time, Jason Cordova will you keep things moving?
If you witnessed the blood rite of Chel in Book 9, The Squamous Multitudes, turn to page 81.
If you witnessed the blood rite of Chel in Book 9, The Squamous Multitudes, turn to page 81.
If you reach outwards towards the pulsating feather mass that coo’s into your mind, turn to page 77
If you reach outwards towards the pulsating feather mass that coo’s into your mind, turn to page 77
If you accept the challenge from the passage that leads to the hill, turn to page 49.
If you accept the challenge from the passage that leads to the hill, turn to page 49.
All right, Ferrell Riley. Let’s hear that cooing. I’m turning to page 77.
The difficulty is 8.
All right, Ferrell Riley. Let’s hear that cooing. I’m turning to page 77.
The difficulty is 8.
http://imgur.com/hYGfsRX
Difficulty 8, roll was 6!
You reach forward, willing your mind to grasp the true form of the terrible deity calling to you. The gasp from your lips is almost audible, but you cough, harder and harder, until you are on your knees, holding onto the alter to steady yourself, head pounding as though something were pecking it’s way through your forehead. Finally, with a heaving cough, from your mouth rolls an egg. A polished black oval that perfectly reflects your face, and a trickle of blood running down from your forehead.
You have but a moment to take all this in, before the pounding in your head causes you to cry out in pain. The last thing you see before you pass out is the gushing of blood from your head, and the sharp point of a beak breaking forth from the wound, it’s heavy breath wheezing forth a raspy “eheeeh”.
Your life, and your adventure, have ended here.
Pick another path Eric Farmer
http://imgur.com/hYGfsRX
Difficulty 8, roll was 6!
You reach forward, willing your mind to grasp the true form of the terrible deity calling to you. The gasp from your lips is almost audible, but you cough, harder and harder, until you are on your knees, holding onto the alter to steady yourself, head pounding as though something were pecking it’s way through your forehead. Finally, with a heaving cough, from your mouth rolls an egg. A polished black oval that perfectly reflects your face, and a trickle of blood running down from your forehead.
You have but a moment to take all this in, before the pounding in your head causes you to cry out in pain. The last thing you see before you pass out is the gushing of blood from your head, and the sharp point of a beak breaking forth from the wound, it’s heavy breath wheezing forth a raspy “eheeeh”.
Your life, and your adventure, have ended here.
Pick another path Eric Farmer
Jason Cordova, since Eric Farmer is travelling. How about we turn to page 81, and re call the blood rite of Chel.
Jason Cordova, since Eric Farmer is travelling. How about we turn to page 81, and re call the blood rite of Chel.
I’m alive! But yeah, pick that one. 🙂
I’m alive! But yeah, pick that one. 🙂
You never thought you’d need the blood rite taught to you by the Old Masters of Mercurial Chel. And yet here you are, in a situation pregnant with mystery and danger. As you look at the bloodied body of the chimp-beast on the altar, you wonder what sort of people would keep a creature like this down here, almost as a pet!
You smell the incense. Why would they burn something so rare and expensive, unless they intend to use it for some rite of their own?
The Old Ones, the Terrible Ones, have spoken to you this night. And you must give your reply.
You speak the words.
“Chel! Ammu sek chiaxis rek! Chel! Sek tu Chel!”
You draw the spearhead across your palm and let the blood coat it. You work your way down, smearing the blood down the shaft of the spear.
You cry out the words again.
“Chel! Ammu sek chiaxis rek! Chel! Sek tu Chel!”
You slice open your other palm, and smear the blood on your face and arms.
The islanders are here now, at the bottom of the hill. They are facing you, pointing their lanterns in your direction.
(I’ll make my choice around 7:00 pm EST)
You never thought you’d need the blood rite taught to you by the Old Masters of Mercurial Chel. And yet here you are, in a situation pregnant with mystery and danger. As you look at the bloodied body of the chimp-beast on the altar, you wonder what sort of people would keep a creature like this down here, almost as a pet!
You smell the incense. Why would they burn something so rare and expensive, unless they intend to use it for some rite of their own?
The Old Ones, the Terrible Ones, have spoken to you this night. And you must give your reply.
You speak the words.
“Chel! Ammu sek chiaxis rek! Chel! Sek tu Chel!”
You draw the spearhead across your palm and let the blood coat it. You work your way down, smearing the blood down the shaft of the spear.
You cry out the words again.
“Chel! Ammu sek chiaxis rek! Chel! Sek tu Chel!”
You slice open your other palm, and smear the blood on your face and arms.
The islanders are here now, at the bottom of the hill. They are facing you, pointing their lanterns in your direction.
(I’ll make my choice around 7:00 pm EST)
If you command the islanders to build a great ship to take you away from this accursed place, turn to page 33
If you command the islanders to build a great ship to take you away from this accursed place, turn to page 33
If you declare that the islanders extinguish their lights in supplication, turn to page 87.
If you declare that the islanders extinguish their lights in supplication, turn to page 87.
If you complete the transformation and seize the blood of the islanders as payment to Chel, turn to page 98.
If you complete the transformation and seize the blood of the islanders as payment to Chel, turn to page 98.
If you thrust the spear into the earth to summon the Ones Below, turn to page 501.
If you thrust the spear into the earth to summon the Ones Below, turn to page 501.
Ok, Robert Ruthven, you’re up. Difficulty is ‘9.’
Ok, Robert Ruthven, you’re up. Difficulty is ‘9.’
Difficulty 9, I rolled an 8.
—
As the light from the villagers’ lanterns reaches you, you raise the spear above your head and give one final cry, “Chel! Sek tu Chel!”
With the last word you thrust the spear into the ground, burying the tip there. There’s a moment of complete stillness as the villagers fall silent, staring at you with open horror.
Then the spear sinks deeper into the earth, disappearing completely. The ground itself trembles, and the silence is broken as the villagers cry out in alarm. The earth bursts open, showering them with dirt as the first of the Ones Below reveals itself. A great worm, with three flaps for a mouth, it’s body covered with writhing tendrils, raises itself from the newly burrowed hole and opens its maw to clamp down on the nearest villager.
The rest run in terror, but it’s no use, because these creatures hunt in packs. More of them erupt from the earth to snap up the other villagers. Those who escape in the beginning find themselves fleeing a moving mound of disrupted earth as the creatures burrow after them.
You should be safe, having said the words and annoited yourself in blood shed from the Spear of Destiny. Or so you think. One of those moving mounds rockets in your direction, and soon you’re looking up into the maw of one of these creatures, filled with teeth that spin and whir like some bizarre mechanism of death. You shout the words again, trying to bring the beast under your command, “Sek tu Chel! Sek tu Chel! Sek tu–“
Your words are cut off as the worm’s maw rushes down to engulf you, and you scream in agony as those teeth tear apart your flesh.
Your life, and your adventure, have ended here. Pick another path, Jason Cordova.
Difficulty 9, I rolled an 8.
—
As the light from the villagers’ lanterns reaches you, you raise the spear above your head and give one final cry, “Chel! Sek tu Chel!”
With the last word you thrust the spear into the ground, burying the tip there. There’s a moment of complete stillness as the villagers fall silent, staring at you with open horror.
Then the spear sinks deeper into the earth, disappearing completely. The ground itself trembles, and the silence is broken as the villagers cry out in alarm. The earth bursts open, showering them with dirt as the first of the Ones Below reveals itself. A great worm, with three flaps for a mouth, it’s body covered with writhing tendrils, raises itself from the newly burrowed hole and opens its maw to clamp down on the nearest villager.
The rest run in terror, but it’s no use, because these creatures hunt in packs. More of them erupt from the earth to snap up the other villagers. Those who escape in the beginning find themselves fleeing a moving mound of disrupted earth as the creatures burrow after them.
You should be safe, having said the words and annoited yourself in blood shed from the Spear of Destiny. Or so you think. One of those moving mounds rockets in your direction, and soon you’re looking up into the maw of one of these creatures, filled with teeth that spin and whir like some bizarre mechanism of death. You shout the words again, trying to bring the beast under your command, “Sek tu Chel! Sek tu Chel! Sek tu–“
Your words are cut off as the worm’s maw rushes down to engulf you, and you scream in agony as those teeth tear apart your flesh.
Your life, and your adventure, have ended here. Pick another path, Jason Cordova.
Brutal! Ok, let’s go with steven watkins.
Brutal! Ok, let’s go with steven watkins.
With the previous failing roll, no roll is needed.
—
You quickly hiss at the approaching islanders to extinguish their lights, and, as the room darkens, a sickly glow starts to emanate from the spearhead as you raise it above you.
In the dim light, the top of the cavern can be seen.
The ceiling is crawling with many more of the chimp-beasts.
As the putrid light reaches them, they screech out in answer, and fall upon the villagers.
As the beasts reach the natives, their claws pierce skin and draw blood, but there are no cries from any of the people.
The chimp bats then spread their leathery wings, and take flight with the islanders in their horrific grip.
The beasts and their cargo swoop into the cavern way that leads up toward the hill. Quickly, they pass beyond sight, and, soon, all you can hear are their grunts and leather wings rustling together.
What do you do?
With the previous failing roll, no roll is needed.
—
You quickly hiss at the approaching islanders to extinguish their lights, and, as the room darkens, a sickly glow starts to emanate from the spearhead as you raise it above you.
In the dim light, the top of the cavern can be seen.
The ceiling is crawling with many more of the chimp-beasts.
As the putrid light reaches them, they screech out in answer, and fall upon the villagers.
As the beasts reach the natives, their claws pierce skin and draw blood, but there are no cries from any of the people.
The chimp bats then spread their leathery wings, and take flight with the islanders in their horrific grip.
The beasts and their cargo swoop into the cavern way that leads up toward the hill. Quickly, they pass beyond sight, and, soon, all you can hear are their grunts and leather wings rustling together.
What do you do?
If you make your way up the hill, out of the cave, turn to page 56.
If you make your way up the hill, out of the cave, turn to page 56.
I’ll make my pick after 6pm today. Thanks.
I’ll make my pick after 6pm today. Thanks.
If you make your way back to the docks, your dark deeds completed, turn to page 68
If you make your way back to the docks, your dark deeds completed, turn to page 68
Jason Cordova I turn to page 56.
Jason Cordova I turn to page 56.
Sorry for the slow reply (I had a lot going on today). Difficulty is ’10’ and I rolled a 9.
You hear faint, echoey cries as the last of the islanders has their life ripped from them. You reach the top of the hill, out into the cool, salty air, and plant the spear in the ground and lean against it, exhausted. You wonder if you will ever be rid of this curse; be able to escape this darkness and torment.
A young boy creeps up behind you. He slices your hamstring with a bone dagger. You manage to let out one cry of pain as you drop to your knees, and then he opens your throat.
Ok, Ferrell Riley, you’re up!
Sorry for the slow reply (I had a lot going on today). Difficulty is ’10’ and I rolled a 9.
You hear faint, echoey cries as the last of the islanders has their life ripped from them. You reach the top of the hill, out into the cool, salty air, and plant the spear in the ground and lean against it, exhausted. You wonder if you will ever be rid of this curse; be able to escape this darkness and torment.
A young boy creeps up behind you. He slices your hamstring with a bone dagger. You manage to let out one cry of pain as you drop to your knees, and then he opens your throat.
Ok, Ferrell Riley, you’re up!
Slowly, almost painfully, you retrace your steps backwards, up the rope ladder, and towards the mouth of the cave.
The moon is now hanging low in the sky, bloated and blood red. Your dark deeds have left a permanent stain on this world, but there is yet more to do.
Suddenly your path is blocked. The old man from before, but changed. No longer a frail hunched body, but instead clad in the armor of a Crusader, and in his hands, wielding a sword of immense size, glowing faintly blue.
“Woe! Tremble you foul creature of Hell! For this will be the last port you bring despair to!” And with surprising speed, he charges you, the large blade moving too fast for mortal arms to wield it. You barely avoid the attack, and the wood of the dock splinters and buckles.
Your boat begins to float away from the impact, but the Crazed Crusader stands before you. What do you do?
Slowly, almost painfully, you retrace your steps backwards, up the rope ladder, and towards the mouth of the cave.
The moon is now hanging low in the sky, bloated and blood red. Your dark deeds have left a permanent stain on this world, but there is yet more to do.
Suddenly your path is blocked. The old man from before, but changed. No longer a frail hunched body, but instead clad in the armor of a Crusader, and in his hands, wielding a sword of immense size, glowing faintly blue.
“Woe! Tremble you foul creature of Hell! For this will be the last port you bring despair to!” And with surprising speed, he charges you, the large blade moving too fast for mortal arms to wield it. You barely avoid the attack, and the wood of the dock splinters and buckles.
Your boat begins to float away from the impact, but the Crazed Crusader stands before you. What do you do?
If you thrust the glowing spear into the sky and call forth your minions, turn to page 184.
If you thrust the glowing spear into the sky and call forth your minions, turn to page 184.
If you engage the Crusader in melee combat, trusting in the Spear of Destiny, turn to page 411.
If you engage the Crusader in melee combat, trusting in the Spear of Destiny, turn to page 411.
If it was all a dream, turn to page 50.
If it was all a dream, turn to page 50.
Robert Ruthven, thrust that spear! THAC0 on this one is obviously an 11, and if that fails, it’s obviously just a dream, right Jason Cordova?
Robert Ruthven, thrust that spear! THAC0 on this one is obviously an 11, and if that fails, it’s obviously just a dream, right Jason Cordova?
Difficulty is 11, I rolled a 9.
–
You raise the spear to parry his attacks and sparks of arcane energy fly as you catch the blows on the shaft. It works at first, but the Crusader’s blows keep coming fast and furious. Each blow creates more of those sparks until finally a blast of light explodes between you and the Crusader, knocking you both to the floor.
As you recover, you find yourself holding two broken halves of what was once the Spear of Destiny. Any mystical protection it offered has been whittled away by the power of the Crusader’s mighty blade.
The Crusader, still demonstrating amazing speed for an old man, is already back on his feet and headed your way with his sword raised to strike. You raise one of the broken ends of the spear in an attempt to deflect the blow, but his sword cleave through it like soft butter and continues its arc downward across your chest, spilling your blood and guts.
Your life, and adventure, have ended here. Jason Cordova, let’s see where your path leads.
Difficulty is 11, I rolled a 9.
–
You raise the spear to parry his attacks and sparks of arcane energy fly as you catch the blows on the shaft. It works at first, but the Crusader’s blows keep coming fast and furious. Each blow creates more of those sparks until finally a blast of light explodes between you and the Crusader, knocking you both to the floor.
As you recover, you find yourself holding two broken halves of what was once the Spear of Destiny. Any mystical protection it offered has been whittled away by the power of the Crusader’s mighty blade.
The Crusader, still demonstrating amazing speed for an old man, is already back on his feet and headed your way with his sword raised to strike. You raise one of the broken ends of the spear in an attempt to deflect the blow, but his sword cleave through it like soft butter and continues its arc downward across your chest, spilling your blood and guts.
Your life, and adventure, have ended here. Jason Cordova, let’s see where your path leads.
You raise your spear and cry out blasphemous words, and charge the crusader . . . only to find yourself on the small boat again; cold, tired, and very, very hungry.
Was it all a dream? A nightmare conjured from the dark recesses of a mind tormented by deprivation and loss?
A day passes. And another. The waterskin you managed to grab from the sinking boat is nearly empty. You know this is the end of you. The hunger is terrible, but the body can survive that for a time. Having no drinkable water will kill you in short order.
And then you notice the wounds on your palms! Fresh scars, as if you had recently sliced them open!
And then you see it: the island, emerging from the misty dark. Someone is waiting for you on the pier, their lantern bobbing in the darkness.
(I’ll make my choice tomorrow morning, EST).
You raise your spear and cry out blasphemous words, and charge the crusader . . . only to find yourself on the small boat again; cold, tired, and very, very hungry.
Was it all a dream? A nightmare conjured from the dark recesses of a mind tormented by deprivation and loss?
A day passes. And another. The waterskin you managed to grab from the sinking boat is nearly empty. You know this is the end of you. The hunger is terrible, but the body can survive that for a time. Having no drinkable water will kill you in short order.
And then you notice the wounds on your palms! Fresh scars, as if you had recently sliced them open!
And then you see it: the island, emerging from the misty dark. Someone is waiting for you on the pier, their lantern bobbing in the darkness.
(I’ll make my choice tomorrow morning, EST).
If you dive off the boat, and swim back towards the open ocean, afraid of what may come, turn to page 13
If you dive off the boat, and swim back towards the open ocean, afraid of what may come, turn to page 13
If you ambush the figure on the pier, turn to page 183.
If you ambush the figure on the pier, turn to page 183.
If you head into shore, resigned to whatever fate awaits you there, turn to page 108.
If you head into shore, resigned to whatever fate awaits you there, turn to page 108.
Ok, steven watkins, difficulty is 12. You’re up!
Ok, steven watkins, difficulty is 12. You’re up!
Difficulty is 12, and I rolled a 2. wah wah
–
You slip into the cold water on the opposite side of the small boat so that the figure on the shore can’t see you as the boat approaches.
As you slowly paddle toward the shore, you feel something slick and as strong as steel wrap around your leg. As you glance down, you see a black tentacle with a tight grip on you.
Suddenly, you are pulled far under water, and all you can see above you is the moonlight reflecting off the surface of the sea.
You struggle in the darkness with the large limb, and your vision starts to turn red with the effort… or is that blood surrounding you in the water. You can’t tell.
Your body starts to burn with the need to breath, and you finally see the eight glowing eyes surrounding a sharp crimson beak as it snaps you in half.
You are dead. Please choose another path, Jason Cordova.
Difficulty is 12, and I rolled a 2. wah wah
–
You slip into the cold water on the opposite side of the small boat so that the figure on the shore can’t see you as the boat approaches.
As you slowly paddle toward the shore, you feel something slick and as strong as steel wrap around your leg. As you glance down, you see a black tentacle with a tight grip on you.
Suddenly, you are pulled far under water, and all you can see above you is the moonlight reflecting off the surface of the sea.
You struggle in the darkness with the large limb, and your vision starts to turn red with the effort… or is that blood surrounding you in the water. You can’t tell.
Your body starts to burn with the need to breath, and you finally see the eight glowing eyes surrounding a sharp crimson beak as it snaps you in half.
You are dead. Please choose another path, Jason Cordova.
Robert Ruthven You’re up. Yours will be the last entry; give us a good ending!
Robert Ruthven You’re up. Yours will be the last entry; give us a good ending!
Rowing your boat up to the rickety, weathered pier you find the old man standing there, looking as he did when you first met him. You approach him warily and he peers at you with his one good eye. The dog is, once again, at his side, tail between its legs. Events play out as before; the dog flees for the cave, the old man heads for the path.
But you realize something…the old man is intentionally ignoring the dog. A strange way for a master to treat their pet. And then you glance towards the dog, and you see a light shining in its eyes, as red as the moon has become once again. For just that instant, you see the nervousness is gone, there’s a malevolence to its gaze. Then it’s gone, and the pitiful fearful dog is back. But you’ve seen its true face now.
‘The Keeper will want to see this gift.’ The old man had said, and you thought he meant to lead you to this Keeper. But now you remember the dog collar, the name Keeper on it. The dog was the one leading you to this Keeper, whatever it is. Perhaps, even, it is the Keeper itself.
You think back on the ‘dream’, on the myriad paths you took, the ends you met, the increasingly dark measures you took to prevail. You realize they all stem from this single moment. That dog, no, the creature pretending to be a dog, is trying to lead you down a path of darkness and doom. And yes, there’s a part of you that’s tempted by the darkness, but you ignore it and the dog.
You turn your back on it, to follow the old man. At the village, you are fed and given shelter for the night, within the warded perimeter of the settlement. There are sounds in the night, animal sounds which are eerily familiar, but the old man has explained that as long as none set foot outside during the red tide, all will be well.
Day comes and, sometime later, so does another ship. You negotiate passage with her captain and bid the villagers farewell. Over the years, you see many things, have many adventures. But at night, when you’re alone, you’ll still have nightmares about that night at the Port of Despair. You tell yourself that nightmares are all that they are, after all those things couldn’t really have happened. Could they?
THE END
Rowing your boat up to the rickety, weathered pier you find the old man standing there, looking as he did when you first met him. You approach him warily and he peers at you with his one good eye. The dog is, once again, at his side, tail between its legs. Events play out as before; the dog flees for the cave, the old man heads for the path.
But you realize something…the old man is intentionally ignoring the dog. A strange way for a master to treat their pet. And then you glance towards the dog, and you see a light shining in its eyes, as red as the moon has become once again. For just that instant, you see the nervousness is gone, there’s a malevolence to its gaze. Then it’s gone, and the pitiful fearful dog is back. But you’ve seen its true face now.
‘The Keeper will want to see this gift.’ The old man had said, and you thought he meant to lead you to this Keeper. But now you remember the dog collar, the name Keeper on it. The dog was the one leading you to this Keeper, whatever it is. Perhaps, even, it is the Keeper itself.
You think back on the ‘dream’, on the myriad paths you took, the ends you met, the increasingly dark measures you took to prevail. You realize they all stem from this single moment. That dog, no, the creature pretending to be a dog, is trying to lead you down a path of darkness and doom. And yes, there’s a part of you that’s tempted by the darkness, but you ignore it and the dog.
You turn your back on it, to follow the old man. At the village, you are fed and given shelter for the night, within the warded perimeter of the settlement. There are sounds in the night, animal sounds which are eerily familiar, but the old man has explained that as long as none set foot outside during the red tide, all will be well.
Day comes and, sometime later, so does another ship. You negotiate passage with her captain and bid the villagers farewell. Over the years, you see many things, have many adventures. But at night, when you’re alone, you’ll still have nightmares about that night at the Port of Despair. You tell yourself that nightmares are all that they are, after all those things couldn’t really have happened. Could they?
THE END
Excellently tied in!
Excellently tied in!
Thanks! This was pretty fun, might try facilitating a game of it on the bus tomorrow. 🙂
Thanks! This was pretty fun, might try facilitating a game of it on the bus tomorrow. 🙂
Thanks guys!
Thanks guys!
Now that this is wrapped up, I’m thinking of kicking off a Sundered Land: Doomed Pilgrim thread. Will have to wait until I get back from my weekend though.
Now that this is wrapped up, I’m thinking of kicking off a Sundered Land: Doomed Pilgrim thread. Will have to wait until I get back from my weekend though.