I’d like to do some crowdsourcing for the Miscellany in Codex – Iron. The piece is called “Three-dozen tempering trials.” These are contests or feats of willpower meant to harden an individual, either physically, emotionally, or intellectually. Submissions need to be a single sentence, or 2-3 very short sentences. By submitting here, you’re agreeing to let us use it (you’ll get a credit on the issue). I’m looking for evocative stuff. The purpose of the Miscellany is to inspire the reader.
Importantly, you don’t necessarily need to include a description of what takes place in the trial (although you can). The name of the trial is the most important thing here.
Here are some examples:
“The Second Birth, when the younglings will either scale the high walls out of the pit they have been raised in, or fall to their deaths, or worse: be forced to remain in the pit, as caretakers or cattle for future generations.”
“The Trial of the Twelve Visitors, each of whom will whisper in your ear a single detail about how you will die.”
“A ten-hour oral defense of the military tactics used by Lady Harrencourt during the first nine years of the Twilight Wars.”
The Trial of Stillness, where the initiate must remain seated perfectly still in meditation while all manner of distractions are inflicted upon them.
The Trial of Stillness, where the initiate must remain seated perfectly still in meditation while all manner of distractions are inflicted upon them.
Students of the Clear Path must first navigate the The Trial of Aeror; a 24 hour period where all the world’s misfortunes are thrust upon them. Those that survive have learned to avoid the worst Fate has to offer.
Students of the Clear Path must first navigate the The Trial of Aeror; a 24 hour period where all the world’s misfortunes are thrust upon them. Those that survive have learned to avoid the worst Fate has to offer.
Passing the Chasm, in which one must convey a delicate or otherwise vulnerable item through a pitch black labyrinth full of blocked passageways, uncertain footing, and… unhelpful beings.
Passing the Chasm, in which one must convey a delicate or otherwise vulnerable item through a pitch black labyrinth full of blocked passageways, uncertain footing, and… unhelpful beings.
The Reckoning, being a guided meditation/hypnosis during which one is made to confront all of their steps on improper paths and transgressions against others.
The Reckoning, being a guided meditation/hypnosis during which one is made to confront all of their steps on improper paths and transgressions against others.
The Warrior’s Baptism, where the pupil is drowned in the blood of the nine Grand Masters and only revived after the heart stops.
The Warrior’s Baptism, where the pupil is drowned in the blood of the nine Grand Masters and only revived after the heart stops.
Embrace of the Hive, where the initiate is locked in a room full of bees and expected to either gain immunity to their venom or die.
Embrace of the Hive, where the initiate is locked in a room full of bees and expected to either gain immunity to their venom or die.
Each future general is presented with a moral dilemma with significant, personal, real-world consequences. They must learn that every victory comes at a cost.
Each future general is presented with a moral dilemma with significant, personal, real-world consequences. They must learn that every victory comes at a cost.
The Crooked Goat offers a free meal and grand prize to any who can tackle the Three Horned Challenge! The brave and the foolish must devour within the space of an hour an entire goat, as well as wash down a pint of their famous Unicorn Stout! Those who prove their valor have their image added to the mural across the bar, as well as a unique three-horned hat!
The Crooked Goat offers a free meal and grand prize to any who can tackle the Three Horned Challenge! The brave and the foolish must devour within the space of an hour an entire goat, as well as wash down a pint of their famous Unicorn Stout! Those who prove their valor have their image added to the mural across the bar, as well as a unique three-horned hat!
Ferrell Riley That’s pushing against the upper limit of how long these should be. FYI.
Ferrell Riley That’s pushing against the upper limit of how long these should be. FYI.
The Hate Walk, wherein the initiate walks a gauntlet of strangers and loved ones who vitriolically hurl either secret, unpleasant truths about the initiate, or slanderous lies.
The Hate Walk, wherein the initiate walks a gauntlet of strangers and loved ones who vitriolically hurl either secret, unpleasant truths about the initiate, or slanderous lies.
The Twice-Spined Dragon, a dangerous and deadly obstacle course for which the adherent prepares intensely, only to have others selected ahead or their turn otherwise delayed.
If you are accepting historical ordeals, consider: “Drinking Hot Cocoa”
The Twice-Spined Dragon, a dangerous and deadly obstacle course for which the adherent prepares intensely, only to have others selected ahead or their turn otherwise delayed.
If you are accepting historical ordeals, consider: “Drinking Hot Cocoa”
Lester Ward That one is unfortunately close to a real world initiation.
Lester Ward That one is unfortunately close to a real world initiation.
The Wait: You are asked to sit outside the room and wait to be summoned for your request to be heard. No one will summon you. You may enter the room at any time.
The Wait: You are asked to sit outside the room and wait to be summoned for your request to be heard. No one will summon you. You may enter the room at any time.
Beggar’s Walk: Hero, dressed in rags and bereft of speech in the city, seek a kind word, a warm meal, and someone worse off than you, whom you must aid in their trial.
Beggar’s Walk: Hero, dressed in rags and bereft of speech in the city, seek a kind word, a warm meal, and someone worse off than you, whom you must aid in their trial.
“The Keepers Challenge” Impress the Keepers by making up a tale that uses at least 5 of their names and still makes a semblance of sense.
“The Keepers Challenge” Impress the Keepers by making up a tale that uses at least 5 of their names and still makes a semblance of sense.
The Proxy: You select your trial (by combat, skill, or wit; whatever you think you can win), but are then informed that you have two weeks to train a proxy to take the test in your place.
The Proxy: You select your trial (by combat, skill, or wit; whatever you think you can win), but are then informed that you have two weeks to train a proxy to take the test in your place.
Also, this…
gizmodo.com – Nobody can survive walking barefoot on the diabolical Lego Firewalk
Also, this…
gizmodo.com – Nobody can survive walking barefoot on the diabolical Lego Firewalk
The Birthright: You must name your ancestors to the past six generations, and recount their greatest deeds and vilest sins.
The Birthright: You must name your ancestors to the past six generations, and recount their greatest deeds and vilest sins.
The Azathoth: You and your accuser secretly submit the punishment you think fairest for the other. However, both receive the punishment that they have written.
The Azathoth: You and your accuser secretly submit the punishment you think fairest for the other. However, both receive the punishment that they have written.
The Black Trek: Newly devoted followers of Gundershiss are blindfolded, gagged and deafened. They then must climb down a vast kimberlite pipe and bring back a diamond. Only the largest diamond wins.
The Black Trek: Newly devoted followers of Gundershiss are blindfolded, gagged and deafened. They then must climb down a vast kimberlite pipe and bring back a diamond. Only the largest diamond wins.
The Ceremony of Peace requires that the tea offered to the guest delegation must be steeped over a low flame for no less the 7 hours by hand, so as to prove one’s dedication to the process.
The Ceremony of Peace requires that the tea offered to the guest delegation must be steeped over a low flame for no less the 7 hours by hand, so as to prove one’s dedication to the process.
The Hallow Falls, an acidic subterranean waterfall, the still flowing blood of a long slain god-thing. If you can stand for a full day naked, in the dark, as the faint spray and death whispers erode body and mind, you will emerge from the darkness scarred, but stronger.
The Hallow Falls, an acidic subterranean waterfall, the still flowing blood of a long slain god-thing. If you can stand for a full day naked, in the dark, as the faint spray and death whispers erode body and mind, you will emerge from the darkness scarred, but stronger.
Putting a “Cap on the Fast” is a test in which an individual, having fasted for a week, is to lie naked in the center of a table amidst a feast, not move, and especially not eat. When food drops on the dirty floor they may gracefully get up and eat it to end the trial.
Putting a “Cap on the Fast” is a test in which an individual, having fasted for a week, is to lie naked in the center of a table amidst a feast, not move, and especially not eat. When food drops on the dirty floor they may gracefully get up and eat it to end the trial.
The Bleeding of Light is the final test of certain schools of magical healers; chained, cut and flayed by a peer, the student must apply their skills to themself. If a drop of blood touches the floor, they fail.
The Bleeding of Light is the final test of certain schools of magical healers; chained, cut and flayed by a peer, the student must apply their skills to themself. If a drop of blood touches the floor, they fail.
The Thieving of Thieves is a test of a rogue’s prowess: Stroll through Shardank Alley with a purse of coin strapped to your belt, past all manner of cutpurses and burglars. Although judged on distance, one is equally judged on nonchalance.
The Thieving of Thieves is a test of a rogue’s prowess: Stroll through Shardank Alley with a purse of coin strapped to your belt, past all manner of cutpurses and burglars. Although judged on distance, one is equally judged on nonchalance.
Cradling. It is where a growing fetus is magically implanted into a male and grows to term and then delivered by C-section. Passing this test without perishing (very rare) is a mark of physical resilience and wisdom. Patience will come, as it always does, when the male raises the child as their own.
Cradling. It is where a growing fetus is magically implanted into a male and grows to term and then delivered by C-section. Passing this test without perishing (very rare) is a mark of physical resilience and wisdom. Patience will come, as it always does, when the male raises the child as their own.
To achieve the rank of Bow Saint, one must stand in the snowy fields with only a robe, a bow, a flask of spirits, and six arrows, until they have shot six winter hares.
To achieve the rank of Bow Saint, one must stand in the snowy fields with only a robe, a bow, a flask of spirits, and six arrows, until they have shot six winter hares.
The cadets at the Academy of Swords learn quickly (and painfully) to arrive to class early and to never leave until dismissed. In the trial of the Steel That Must Bend, the professor never arrives for class.
The cadets at the Academy of Swords learn quickly (and painfully) to arrive to class early and to never leave until dismissed. In the trial of the Steel That Must Bend, the professor never arrives for class.
Miss Minerva will give you the advice you need to hear but first she will loudly and methodically explain your every failing. Do not let her colorful language or knowledge of your secret shames stir your anger. If you are wise you will accept your licking and offer your thanks for her time.
Miss Minerva will give you the advice you need to hear but first she will loudly and methodically explain your every failing. Do not let her colorful language or knowledge of your secret shames stir your anger. If you are wise you will accept your licking and offer your thanks for her time.
Eating a troll egg is a gruesome and probably fatal task. Digesting the little monster promises stomach poisoning, internal bleeding and extreme intestinal discomfort. No one should ever attempt it for any reason… But it will certainly prove your toughness.
Eating a troll egg is a gruesome and probably fatal task. Digesting the little monster promises stomach poisoning, internal bleeding and extreme intestinal discomfort. No one should ever attempt it for any reason… But it will certainly prove your toughness.
The Gray Lady takes but one pupil a generation, always a winsome youth with dreams of heroics. Each day she poses a moral quandary, each more personal and trickier than the last. Those few who pass are anointed as Paladin.
The Gray Lady takes but one pupil a generation, always a winsome youth with dreams of heroics. Each day she poses a moral quandary, each more personal and trickier than the last. Those few who pass are anointed as Paladin.
“Go fetch me a rock.”
A stubborn refusal to provide more details ensues, eventually followed by:
“That is not the rock I wanted; go fetch me a rock.”
“Go fetch me a rock.”
A stubborn refusal to provide more details ensues, eventually followed by:
“That is not the rock I wanted; go fetch me a rock.”
As a final test, each black gaurd recruit is given two years to wander the world returning with a beloved pet, trusted friend and devoted lover. No one could ever doubt their devotion when they return from the dungeons.
As a final test, each black gaurd recruit is given two years to wander the world returning with a beloved pet, trusted friend and devoted lover. No one could ever doubt their devotion when they return from the dungeons.
The Four Death Ordeal involves taking a series of progressively stronger psychoactive, pain-inducing neurotoxins. After the fourth dose, the aspirant is told there are actually four MORE doses to go. If they refuse, they pass, as a person should know their limits. If they press on, initiation into deep mysteries await the survivors.
The Four Death Ordeal involves taking a series of progressively stronger psychoactive, pain-inducing neurotoxins. After the fourth dose, the aspirant is told there are actually four MORE doses to go. If they refuse, they pass, as a person should know their limits. If they press on, initiation into deep mysteries await the survivors.
Shark Week. Captured bards and playwrights scramble to put on a week long series of shows to celebrate the Pyrate Queens birthday. Acts that are granted her favour are rewarded with riches and freedom. Disfavoured performers are fed to her pets.
Shark Week. Captured bards and playwrights scramble to put on a week long series of shows to celebrate the Pyrate Queens birthday. Acts that are granted her favour are rewarded with riches and freedom. Disfavoured performers are fed to her pets.
The Blitz: a bard (or other creative type) draws a random prop from a sack. They must then write it into a play that they script overnight, teach, block, and direct it to group of players they’ve never met, and perform it at the following sundown to a fickle audience.
(Inspired by Matt Stuart’s, and a real event that used to happen around here every year.)
The Blitz: a bard (or other creative type) draws a random prop from a sack. They must then write it into a play that they script overnight, teach, block, and direct it to group of players they’ve never met, and perform it at the following sundown to a fickle audience.
(Inspired by Matt Stuart’s, and a real event that used to happen around here every year.)
Penjibi’s Uprising: To win the favor of Penjibi the Salmon God, you must swim across Shaft Lake and then make your way up a torrential waterfall to reach the Holy Spawning Grotto.
Penjibi’s Uprising: To win the favor of Penjibi the Salmon God, you must swim across Shaft Lake and then make your way up a torrential waterfall to reach the Holy Spawning Grotto.
The Tempting: A prospective monk trains for an entire year away from the fairer sex, only to be placed naked in a room with a beautiful, seductive woman for three days. If the monk gives in to temptation he must leave the monastery or remain and become a eunuch.
The Tempting: A prospective monk trains for an entire year away from the fairer sex, only to be placed naked in a room with a beautiful, seductive woman for three days. If the monk gives in to temptation he must leave the monastery or remain and become a eunuch.
The Wash: Young warriors have their ankles bound and attached by a length of thick strong sinew to the bottom of an empty pool. They are armed only with a spear with a needle-like point. The pool is then slowly filled with murky water which rises until the warriors can only just barely keep their heads above the water with the sinews pulled taught. After they have become tired, they notice movement in the depths and are told the pool will be drained when The Wash has been vanquished.
The Wash: Young warriors have their ankles bound and attached by a length of thick strong sinew to the bottom of an empty pool. They are armed only with a spear with a needle-like point. The pool is then slowly filled with murky water which rises until the warriors can only just barely keep their heads above the water with the sinews pulled taught. After they have become tired, they notice movement in the depths and are told the pool will be drained when The Wash has been vanquished.
Torturers’ Temperance: before a member of the Guild of the Secret Finders can apply any piece of their trade-craft, they must endure it. This assures that they know the proper and appropriate time to use these enhanced inquisitive arts.
Torturers’ Temperance: before a member of the Guild of the Secret Finders can apply any piece of their trade-craft, they must endure it. This assures that they know the proper and appropriate time to use these enhanced inquisitive arts.
Heart of Stone: Paladins of the tenth echelon must pass this test yearly. A high priest will hand the paladin an infant, then say, “Repeat after me: this child’s life is taken for the greater good.”
Heart of Stone: Paladins of the tenth echelon must pass this test yearly. A high priest will hand the paladin an infant, then say, “Repeat after me: this child’s life is taken for the greater good.”
Betting with Bounty is a trial in which a trio of hunters are set against each other for a prize. Each is a hunter of one and a prey of the other. This wild chase dances through the realm and becomes highly political as people from all walks of life choose their champion.
Betting with Bounty is a trial in which a trio of hunters are set against each other for a prize. Each is a hunter of one and a prey of the other. This wild chase dances through the realm and becomes highly political as people from all walks of life choose their champion.
Little Ben and his turtle. An hour long story told by an expert psychologist to an auditorium. The audience is watched carefully and their responses measured. The non-humans are pulled aside as the crowd files out.
Little Ben and his turtle. An hour long story told by an expert psychologist to an auditorium. The audience is watched carefully and their responses measured. The non-humans are pulled aside as the crowd files out.
The Demon’s Cave: Bound in darkness by the angel-king Ladanar, the demon Zeramathras waits to try and corrupt the knights sent by the order. Only the strong of will and pure of heart return to be granted the title of Paladin.
The Sundering: Awakened Golems who worship Forj, god of creation, must stand upon the great anvil and be smote into ruins by the Hammer of Sundering. Their pieces are then placed in the All-Forge before their molten remains are poured into a mold to be reborn in Forj’s image.
The Night Run: It would be hard enough to run through the woods from one outpost to the next blindfolded, but to complete their training for the Nighthunt, apprentices must do so during the Blood Moon, when the Briarwood werewolf pack is at its most active.
The Red Maze: An aspiring wizard of the Red Order must complete a maze of traps and puzzles, all without the use of their magic.
The Heist: Only the greatest thief in the Brotherhood can gain the title of Gray Fox, but only after they return with a treasure from the dragon’s hoard.
The Demon’s Cave: Bound in darkness by the angel-king Ladanar, the demon Zeramathras waits to try and corrupt the knights sent by the order. Only the strong of will and pure of heart return to be granted the title of Paladin.
The Sundering: Awakened Golems who worship Forj, god of creation, must stand upon the great anvil and be smote into ruins by the Hammer of Sundering. Their pieces are then placed in the All-Forge before their molten remains are poured into a mold to be reborn in Forj’s image.
The Night Run: It would be hard enough to run through the woods from one outpost to the next blindfolded, but to complete their training for the Nighthunt, apprentices must do so during the Blood Moon, when the Briarwood werewolf pack is at its most active.
The Red Maze: An aspiring wizard of the Red Order must complete a maze of traps and puzzles, all without the use of their magic.
The Heist: Only the greatest thief in the Brotherhood can gain the title of Gray Fox, but only after they return with a treasure from the dragon’s hoard.
“The roofrunner’s flight” Cross an entire city without ever setting foot on the ground or using magical aid.
The thieves guild will send its best members to follow and make sure you don’t cheat….or is cheating the real way to pass this test?
“The roofrunner’s flight” Cross an entire city without ever setting foot on the ground or using magical aid.
The thieves guild will send its best members to follow and make sure you don’t cheat….or is cheating the real way to pass this test?
Scott Selvidge I particularly like The Night Run.
Also, The Sundering would be a good way for a player to work dramatic character changes into the fiction (“I really like my character, but I also want to play a dwarf…”)
Scott Selvidge I particularly like The Night Run.
Also, The Sundering would be a good way for a player to work dramatic character changes into the fiction (“I really like my character, but I also want to play a dwarf…”)
To learn the Diamond Fist technique, aspirants must spend years striking increasingly sturdy objects, hours at a time, until they can shatter such an object with a single blow. First a sandbag, then a slab of wood, then marble, then steel, then dragonscale.
To learn the Ghost Fist technique, aspirants must spend years striking less and less tangible objects (a pool of water, then a dangling silk cloth, then a cloud of dust, then a flame), until their blows affect even disembodied souls.
To learn the Diamond Fist technique, aspirants must spend years striking increasingly sturdy objects, hours at a time, until they can shatter such an object with a single blow. First a sandbag, then a slab of wood, then marble, then steel, then dragonscale.
To learn the Ghost Fist technique, aspirants must spend years striking less and less tangible objects (a pool of water, then a dangling silk cloth, then a cloud of dust, then a flame), until their blows affect even disembodied souls.
Plucking a live owl bear is one of many tasks given to junior officers in the king’s Rangers. It’s supposed to be a joke…
Plucking a live owl bear is one of many tasks given to junior officers in the king’s Rangers. It’s supposed to be a joke…
To earn its name, every fledgling kobold of Mt Huffel must slip into the lair of senile ol’ Ffwyrnaiz and steal a single golden coin from the dragon’s horde, replacing it with a disk of yellow-painted wood.
To earn its name, every fledgling kobold of Mt Huffel must slip into the lair of senile ol’ Ffwyrnaiz and steal a single golden coin from the dragon’s horde, replacing it with a disk of yellow-painted wood.
To earn the mantle of the Crow, the initiate must find a suitably abominable noble, steal their most precious treasure, then return to the dilapidated, ramshackle hideout.
To earn the mantle of the Crow, the initiate must find a suitably abominable noble, steal their most precious treasure, then return to the dilapidated, ramshackle hideout.
Jeremy Strandberg An added bonus of the Mt. Huffel trial is that it tests the kobold’s freethinking capability to defy the traditional kobold worship of dragons
Jeremy Strandberg An added bonus of the Mt. Huffel trial is that it tests the kobold’s freethinking capability to defy the traditional kobold worship of dragons
Inspired by the cover art: Surviving the Iron Colossus: the final test a knight trains his apprentice for is surviving an assault on one of the beasts that range east of the wall. The apprentice passes when they collect enough iron off the creature for a smith to forge a set of arms and armor.
Inspired by the cover art: Surviving the Iron Colossus: the final test a knight trains his apprentice for is surviving an assault on one of the beasts that range east of the wall. The apprentice passes when they collect enough iron off the creature for a smith to forge a set of arms and armor.
Those accused of a capital crime must drink an elixir and speak their version of the events. If they lie or withhold information, the elixir turns their blood to wrought iron and their veins to slag.
Those accused of a capital crime must drink an elixir and speak their version of the events. If they lie or withhold information, the elixir turns their blood to wrought iron and their veins to slag.
These are great, everyone! I’m going to go ahead and close this thread.
These are great, everyone! I’m going to go ahead and close this thread.
Thread necromancy! I wanted to let everyone know we are currently raising money on KS to print a big, beautiful hardcover book collecting the first 13 issues of Codex. We’re doing a single print run of this book, and when those are all gone, that’s it! Many of you in this thread have miscellany submissions that made it into one of those early issues, and so you might be interested in getting a copy of the book for yourself. Of particular note is a discounted $35 pledge tier, which is perfect if you don’t care about getting the PDFs.
Even if you’re not interested in getting a copy of the book for yourself, it would be super lovely (and helpful!) if you would share the campaign in your circles.
As it turns out, I can’t actually share a link to the project in this comment because G+ flags such KS links as spam, but if you just go to Kickstarter and search “Codex” it pops right up, or search “Codex RPG” in Google.
Thanks!
Thread necromancy! I wanted to let everyone know we are currently raising money on KS to print a big, beautiful hardcover book collecting the first 13 issues of Codex. We’re doing a single print run of this book, and when those are all gone, that’s it! Many of you in this thread have miscellany submissions that made it into one of those early issues, and so you might be interested in getting a copy of the book for yourself. Of particular note is a discounted $35 pledge tier, which is perfect if you don’t care about getting the PDFs.
Even if you’re not interested in getting a copy of the book for yourself, it would be super lovely (and helpful!) if you would share the campaign in your circles.
As it turns out, I can’t actually share a link to the project in this comment because G+ flags such KS links as spam, but if you just go to Kickstarter and search “Codex” it pops right up, or search “Codex RPG” in Google.
Thanks!