Showing posts with label Solo RPG. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Solo RPG. Show all posts

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Now available for kindle except a few minor changes, removal of appendix

The Kindle version does not have the Appendix of tables, which were added to the rear for printing in the PDF version, to make printing easier. However, all of the tables are found within each of the sections. The larger sideways 144 tables were place back into the sections with the horizontal table and the instructions.

Essential SoRoPlay GamTools


Essential SoRoPlay GamTools (2020)
Available at one place currently, though kindle may be forthcoming
A PDF @ DriveThruRPG
It is also available in two different bundles where it is included as one of the bundle pieces
Mechanisms and Minimalist Bundle
and
Individual piece Bundle

For Kindle (US) @ Amazon.com, (UK) @ Amazon.co.uk, (DE) Amazon.de. (also available for other countries)

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Coin Solo RPG System is now on version 1.05

SoRoPlay GamTools Zine: Coin Solo RPG System



For the latest version 1.04 Coin Solo RPG System which is found pinned to the top of my subreddit, see https://www.reddit.com/r/Solo_RPG_Tools/ .

It is a coin flip based solo RPG system, also available in a paid PDF format.

As for 1.04 vs 1.05, the bold features listed in the bullet are features now in 1.05.

I just uploaded and sent an email out to those who have purchased the PDF version. Check your library. The price went up a little, which I've been doing after every update after the introductory offer.

Here is the updated product description. The bold on the bullet point words indicate the new features since v1.04.


Coin Solo RPG System v1.05This Zine PDF brings together several social media posts for the creation of a coin-based solo RPG system.
This issue is being used to help fund a possible further creation of this coin-solo game system.
This PDF is rough and unpolished, though a few images have been added. It is single column and minimal layout and no editing.
This PDF has the following sections for the current 1.05 version.
  • A simple Coin solo game engine (yes/no, succeed/fail, A or B).
  • 2 character personality types
  • 2 scaling attributes
  • 4 skill-set models
  • Combat and Character Charts on two pages
  • 2 conflict-plot types
  • 2 groups of sensory facts
  • Coin Flip Combat Rules using Combat Score comparison
  • 3 coin flip simultaneous combat damage system
  • 3 coin flip targeting system
  • Scaling weapon damage and 3 armor protection: absorption and reduction
  • a Wound Trackers by body location for 4 degrees of life force: Grunt to Huge, based on one stat of the character.
  • Ranged combat modifier
  • A new example of 1.05v simultaneous coin flip combat
  • an early 1.01 version example (pre coin combat system, I used a hybrid of One-roll Fudge and Remnant RPG Tools combat) creating a 5,314 word short story.
  • The example creates a short story called "The Art of Love and Loss"

Want the PDF 1.05 Version updated Available at DriveThruRPG?

If you would like to support this thread monetarily by purchasing the 1.05 PDF version which combines all of the main posts found scattered throughout this board up until today's latest update and examples in an illustrated 86 page PDF you may find it at the following address.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Aioskoru part 5 : "For Sickness or Work"

Tools Used
Aioskoru website
Aioskoru Adventure seeds
ABS12 System

Here are the stats for my two main characters. I've changed Madi's powers to the new magic system.

Madi the amateur magic user is PL1.
SpeciesLifeSpdDefDef TypeBPDamageD TypeMagSc/TcBPVerbAdj/AdvBPVerbAdj/Adv
Magic User223Cloth21d12/6Staff42Destroy1d12/62Fire2 range
BPVerbAdj/AdvBPVerbAdj/AdvCost
2Trap/Close2 duration2Organic substance Web2 range15

Andelin the amateur fighter is PL1
Fighter436Plate41d12/3Sword2Rescue22Tracking/hunting215

Madi = 4 EP
Andelin = 6 EP

Before I start, I want to test the new experience points for the two characters for the prior two scenes.

EP per Scene Goal reached - scene 1 - make a deal
Madi - scene 4 = yes
Andelin - scene 4 = yes

Character true to it's concept
Madi - scene 4 = yes
Andelin - scene 4 = unknown

Conflict with opposition
Madi - scene 4 = yes
Andelin - scene 4 = yes

New Awareness about something important
Madi - scene 4 = yes
Andelin - scene 4 = unknown

Total EP for "Emotional Plea"
Madi = 4 + 4 EP = 8  EP
Andelin = 6 + 2 EP = 8 EP

Powers
I have also redone the powers into 4 powers (2 verbs and 2 nouns): destroy, trap/close, fire, and organic substance - web. The damage 

Continued from this Aioskoru Story Series
Aioskoru part 1 : "Wild Horses"
Aioskoru part 2 : "Friendly Centaur"
Aioskoru part 3 : Experience Points award
Aioskoru part 4 : "Emotional Plea"
Aioskoru part 5 : "For Sickness or Work"


"For Sickness or Work"
By Ken Wickham
Copyright © 2016

The scent of the incense filled the centaur village.

Outside of their homes, centaurs had returned to their homes, each lit up an incense stick in some sort of funeral ritual.

He had heard from a few humans that Madi and he were lucky that the centaur would bring their request up to the elders. Although several before them had begged and pleaded, the centaur's hadn't considered those people's offers so kindly.

"You must have said something right," one of the older human's said. He looked strong despite his age. Maybe because of the constant work from his sentence.

"Yes. Maybe so," Andelin said, not wanting to mention the war with the scorpion centaurs.

[Do the elders come to speak today? This is another plot escalating roll, this time at -3. Roll = 3 - 3 =  0; No, also ...
2, Touch, 4, Smooth
10, character quality; 9 personality
Something about personality and smooth, I'll discard the smooth part and try something else]
[I'll also roll for a story idea for the first time. 9+10 = 19
  1. Daring - a bold leader sets out to obtain an object from or to fight against a powerful adversary.
I'll say that whatever killed that centaur - maybe after coming in contact with a contagious illness or disease which causes personality change before death -  requires obtaining an object, a substance, to help heal. The centaur village is upset over this and it has recently spread to several more.]
 While working later that evening, Andelin overheard from several that the illness is spreading.

Andelin kept sweeping the cobblestone floor, pretending as if he wasn't hearing anything important.

"You missed a spot over here," point one of the muscular centaurs towards the doorway. Andelin turned towards them and quickly hurried over to the spot.

The other continued. " They say he behaved crazy before it overtook him. They think that a root which grows in the clefts may cure the disease."

Andelin finished sweeping, looked off in the distance to see Madi weaving with several other people. He quickly finished sweeping the area, dumped the waste into a pile outside, and made his way to her.

She did not have a happy face at the moment. Andelin began to sweep around near her. He felt like he was doing something wrong, although he had to mention what he had learned - to warn her.

"Madi," he whispered, though he continued to focus on picking up dirt, straw, and clumps of mud on the stone below him.

He could see out of the corner of his eye her head turn to look at him. She then returned to weaving. "Anything new, " she whispered back.

"Just to let you know, there is a sickness going around."

"That's bad."

"Keep quiet about it."

"Okay."

He coughed and then moved off to sweep in other spots along the cobblestone path.

[Another plot based roll at -2. Do they come the next day? 10-2 = 8; Yes, however they want the two to help out and substance to help cure the disease as a test]

The next day, one of the centaurs came down the path calling out his name. It was Nefron. Andelin moved towards the centaur. His face wasn't smiling as it had since their capture and journey here.

He spoke with a unusually serious expression. "The elders are ready to see you."

Maybe they had a chance.



The gray hair and maned elders - about a dozen - stood in front of them at some distance, four guards armed between them. Some were studhes (studs) and some were markoes (mares). A few of them seemed uncomfortable, some even not looking at him directly.

"Leader Theda has informed us that you have a request." spoke one of the elder stud, who held a long staff which seemed to lean on to help keep his upper torso erect.

Andelin quickly spoke before Madi, " Yes. We have offered instead of serving our sentence helping to maintain the feed to serve it in a common defense with the humans against the scorpion centaurs."

Immediately many of the elders began to speak with each other. Andelin couldn't hear what they were saying.

Andelin rubbed his face and temples trying to ease the slight pain that throbbed in his head.

"Why should we trust fighting with you? How do we know that we can trust you?"

Andelin knew that they had to give them a reason to trust them. He was slightly unsure of what to say. His muddled thoughts went back to last evening overhearing the guards.

He took a deep breath and hoped for a good response. "We can help you find the root to cure the disease that is spreading among you. That can be a test of our intention."

A few of the centaurs that wouldn't look at him before now turned and looked towards him.

They spoke among themselves slower this time and without as much argument occasionally glancing at either him or Madi.

"Maybe they will give me my use of powers," Madi whispered to him.

He just nodded back. He wasn't really concerned with powers, but having her powers back would help if they were to find the root.

The answer came quick enough. The quickness of response took his breath away.

"Very well," the main elder said

A few moments went by and they seemed to discuss more details. One of them walked off down the hall and disappeared.

Nefron and Kado, they motioned forward. Nefron and Madi's centaur walked forward. They joined into the discussion. Kado seemed to shake his head often. He would look towards Madi and seemed to argue more.

Madi seemed to shrink back at his stare.

Soon all of them were nodding in agreement.

"Nefron and Kado will continue to be your escort while under sentence." With that Andelin saw Nefron elbow the other, Kado in the side. Kado somewhat snared at Nefron, who halfway grinned.

"My powers?" Madi asked.

The leader of the elders said a name he couldn't hear and motioned over one of the elder mares over who had a long smooth thin blue torso robe.

After a briefly conversing with each other, she made her way towards Madi.

She said a few things to her. Madi noded once in agreement.

The centaur mare began to mutter words while circling her hands in the air - almost like she was holding something. Silver speckles seemed to materialize in the air. Andelin slightly dropped his jaw and watched wide-eyed. She seemed to scope the sparkles from the air and pulled it to her lips.

Then she motioned her to come to her. She grabbed her by the shoulders, said a few words to Madi and then pulled her towards her and kissed her upon the forehead. The sparkles seemed to move and transfer to Madi's forehead and briefly should a glowing lip mark.

Soon they both smiled and the lady centaur went back to the group of elders.

"She did not give a full blessing. Her blessing is temporary this time. You will have three days to get the roots or the power use will cease once again in our lands."

Another elder who had disappeared earlier stepped forward bringing forth a parchment.

"This is what the root that we are looking for looks like. It grows in a cliff area from the derman bush. We haven't been able to get any since several scorpion centaurs took over that region of our border."

Andelin studied the drawings intently. He noticed the leaf patter, the shape of the bush and the various features, and even the coloring which had been painted on the image.

"Where are the cliffs located?" Madi said.

"Nefron and Kado know the region and will take you there. How well you four get along and successfully achieve getting the root will determine how much we will trust you. Ten bags of roots will be needed for now and in the future."

"Our weapons?" Andelin asked.

"They will be given to you as soon as you are outside the village."

[To be continued]


Monday, June 13, 2016

ABS12: Using a deck of cards to do solo gaming.

All the changes from this page will be added to the complete master game page at A Basic System 12 (ABS12).

Frustrated at having to roll against myself using the ABS12 combat system, I think I've found a better way to do combat.

Since the system is a 1d12, a standard deck of playing cards with the kings and jokers removed can simulate a solo gaming experience where I don't have to roll against myself. I just roll against a shuffled deck of cards more like playing solitaire. In a game of solitaire, the shuffled deck of cards allows you to focus on figuring out patterns instead of generating random numbers and suite.

So, using a deck of cards:
Numbers 1 to 10 equal the stated values.
jack = 11
queen = 12

Maybe reshuffle the cards as needed or for each session or as needed.



A Basic System 12 (ABS12)
Index of my blog

Playtesting a magic user Part 2: "Basement of Toys"

For this gameplay, creating a story using a game system I will be using the entire ABS12 current system.

ABS12 Game System

Here is part 2 of the playtest and creation of a magic user short story. Like part 1, the gaming stuff will be in brackets. After the story, I will put my analysis, and then show both parts of the short story in its entirety without any gaming mechanic info for a smooth read. This shows the fun use of using solo gaming tools to write a short story. This is a first draft and only minimal editing has been put into the story.

First the gaming statistics:

Basic Stats by PL for all Species
PLDLLifeSpeedDefenseAttackUnskilled verbSkilled verb
00110000
11222212

The magic user is PL1.
SpeciesLifeSpdDefDef TypeBPDamageD TypeMagSc/TcBPVerbAdj/AdvBPVerbAdj/Adv





Cost
Magic User223Cloth21d12/6Staff45Fireball S1d12/23Net S315

I typed in the PL1 life, speed, and defense with the humanoid magic user amounts, wearing a cloth robe. With the 3 BP I will learn 3 ranks of a entangling net spell.

I'll try a giant rat PL0 first.

Giant rat23111Bt1Disease Bt12Covert2

Continued from part 1 
Playtesting the magic user Part 1


"Oh. I thought it was you. My apologies," Basement said.

The echoes of what basement said went through her mind. Down here this morning?

Out she brought her oaken wand, ready to entangle anyone using a web spell.

She inched her way down the hallway and wand first slowly walked into the first room. Her breath had increased. She struggled to control it as wide eyed she looked around for any presence. The air felt hot. Her hand came up to loosen the her collar, which seemingly had tightened. Back and forth she looked.

[Is anything here? 50/50; No; I'll increase the chance of yes however by 2 to increase the chance of meeting the rat since it wasn't there]

Not noticing anything anything out of place, she relaxed a bit.

"Shut the door Basement," she commanded. Soon she heard a soft click from direction of the stairs.

After a few breaths, she readied herself for the next room. Slowly she peaked around the corner down the hall.

Two doorways were down the hall.

She took a deep breath and then continued down the hall one slow step at each breath.

Near the doorway she stopped, stayed near the wall and listened.

[Is anything in this room? 50/50 + 2; 1d12 =11 + 2 = 13; Yes, also ....
I'll pick at least one fact to see what the also might mean and more if need be.
8, 11 = Time, Future; I don't know what that means. I'll roll again.
12, 5 = Dimension, Medium, So medium future? no idea yet. I'll roll again.
8, 9 = Time, Past; So past medium future? Maybe this rat ate or drank something and grew larger. I'll go with that. I'll make the next room the alchemy room with potions that maybe it got into one.]

She heard the sound of something chewing on what sounded like wood.

It gnawed and echoed lightly to her turned ear.

One more deep breath and she turned wand forward to cast her net spell.

[Is the giant rat near the potions at a alchemy table? Very possibly +4; 1d12 = 2+4, No, unless ... she is quick enough to catch it before it runs away. I'll say a moderate (9) difficulty. Speed normally a +2, however she will get just her +1 for level one, since her description of magic user will not help her.
Roll of 7+1 = 8 < 9 barely failed.]

She turned the corner and saw a giant black rat just as it was raising its head, noticed her, and ran off.

She didn't catch it fast nor was quiet enough.

In she ran. She saw a few potions tipped over and empty.

The rat was running towards the corner of the room.

[Is there a tunnel or entrance there? Somewhat Possible +2; 1d12 = 11 +2; Yes, also ... she sees another giant rat at the entrance as well.]

Behind the running rat, she also notices another one looking out of the hole as well.

She cast her web spell on the first retreating giant rat

[distance 16ft = easy 6. power roll = 1d12+PL+DL = 1d12+2 vs easy 6 ; 5+2=7 it works]

She whispered her magic words, Sparkles gathered around her wand.

With a shout of , "Tineks-la-omiu," she commanded her web to entangle the frightened giant rat.

Out strands of web shot wrapping around the rat. As it is being wrapped up she tried to get the second rat.

[this one is more difficult. moderate distance 9; and is mostly behind cover which I will say is a +2 dificulty = needs an 11. 1d12 roll 7 + 2 = 9; miss.

Does she chase the rat into the tunnel yet? 50/50; No]

The web shot stringing out towards the one near the large hole. The other one manages to retreat in time.

She didn't have the patience to chase that rat at the moment. For the moment she turns back to the wrapped giant rat. Anger builds inside of her.

It explodes in the form of a fireball.

[easy 6 = 1d12 = 2 + 2; miss]

A fireball explodes and lauches off the tip of her wand. Slamming into the fireproof wall.

In her anger, she failed to aim steady. Luckily the rat is entangled and can't get away.

She stepped real close and touched the wand directly at the squealing rat. "I got you rat!"

[damage = 8/2 = 4 life damage; rat life = 2 - 4 = dead]

The flame engulfed the rat, incinerating the giant menace.

Looking at the hole and then around to a wall, she saw the place of her transformation ring. A smile came across her face as a plan developed.

She walked over to the hidden box that couldn't be seen in the wall. A few words and the wall revealed her prize possessions. She removed the velvet box. Inside of the box, she removed the ring which glows with a blue aura..

After placing the silver ring on her finger, she whispered a few words. "Kinada-amiu," and felt her form change. She dropped onto all fours, grew in size, and felt hair sprout from her fair skin. She morphed into a large white cat.

After licking her paws and rubbing her face, her ears picked up the sound of the retreating rat.

Off she pounced, into the hole, to get her a rat.

The end

Analysis

Here is the entire text including the first par without mechanic info

The magic seems to work or can be made to work.

I was a bit angered myself when the fireball missed. But  I guess it helped the story some. It shows how Madi is still a beginner, despite the powerful ring that she possesses.

The words I wrote are for a fantasy language based on an ancient language. I actually had to look up both words. 'Tineks-la-omiu' is a command 'to make a web.' 'Kinada-amiu' is a command 'to be a cat.' I didn't do a command for fire. Just because I've already looked up that word for another story, but didn't feel like looking for it.



"Basement of Toys"
a scene by Ken Wickham 
Copyright © 2016

The magic user comes to the door leading into the basement of his old shop. The ancient door looked worn from years - centuries even - of use.

A sudden panic always hit her whenever she reaches the oaken door. This time was no different.

Is it locked? 

The door creaked a little as he pushed first on the door. It only moved a little and then came in contact with the tumbler lock. A turn of the key, a click, and the main one unlocked. He pushed the door again. The door made another click as it hit the second lock. 

She shuffled through his keyring and found the silver key, placed it inside and turned releasing the lock.

Madi breathed in one deep breath and pushed the door for a third time.

The door opened. Soon the walls began to glow brighter. 

She watched the shadows below receded, warming to a comfortable glow.

"Welcome back mistress Madi," echoed through the halls, which seemed to speak from the walls.

"Hello Basement. Have you missed me." She slowly began her decent, careful to lift her long magenta robe to keep from stepping or tripping. She'd fallen once years ago which taught her a painful lesson.

"Of course I miss you when you are not here. It fills me with great joy when you are working down here and spending time with me."

Once safe at the bottom she continued down the hallway.

"When you were down here earlier this morning, why didn't you speak with me?" echoed the Basement's voice almost in a sad voice.

Madi stopped. She was a bit confused.

She said in a somewhat slow and confused voice, "I wasn't down here ... this morning - What do you mean?"

"Oh. I thought it was you. My apologies," Basement said.

The echoes of what basement said went through her mind. Down here this morning?

Out she brought her oaken wand, ready to entangle anyone using a web spell.

She inched her way down the hallway and wand first slowly walked into the first room. Her breath had increased. She struggled to control it as wide eyed she looked around for any presence. The air felt hot. Her hand came up to loosen the her collar, which seemingly had tightened. Back and forth she looked.

Not noticing anything anything out of place, she relaxed a bit

"Shut the door Basement," she commanded. Soon she heard a soft click from direction of the stairs.

After a few breaths, she readied herself for the next room. Slowly she peaked around the corner down the hall.

Two doorways were down the hall.

Madi took a deep breath and then continued down the hall one slow step at each breath.

Near the doorway she stopped, stayed near the wall and listened.

She heard the sound of something chewing on what sounded like wood.

It gnawed and echoed lightly to her turned ear.

One more deep breath and she turned wand forward to cast her net spell.

She turned the corner and saw a giant black rat just as it was raising its head, noticed her, and ran off.

She didn't catch it fast nor was quiet enough.

In she ran. She saw a few potions tipped over and empty.

The rat was running towards the corner of the room.

Behind the running rat, she also notices another one looking out of the hole as well.

She cast her web spell on the first retreating giant rat

She whispered her magic words, Sparkles gathered around her wand.

With a shout of , "Tineks-la-omiu," she commanded her web to entangle the frightened giant rat.

Out strands of web shot wrapping around the rat. As it is being wrapped up she tried to get the second rat.

The web shot stringing out towards the one near the large hole. The other one manages to retreat in time.

She didn't have the patience to chase that rat at the moment. For the moment she turns back to the wrapped giant rat. Anger builds inside of her.

It explodes in the form of a fireball.

A fireball explodes and launches off the tip of her wand. Slamming into the fireproof wall.

In her anger, she failed to aim steady. Luckily the rat is entangled and can't get away.

She stepped real close and touched the wand directly at the squealing rat. "I got you rat!"

The flame engulfed the rat, incinerating the giant menace.

Looking at the hole and then around to a wall, she saw the place of her transformation ring. A smile came across her face as a plan developed.

She walked over to the hidden box that couldn't be seen in the wall. A few words and the wall revealed her prize possessions. She removed the velvet box. Inside of the box, she removed the ring which glows with a blue aura..

After placing the silver ring on her finger, Madi whispered a few words. "Kinada-amiu," and felt her form change. She dropped onto all fours, grew in size, and felt hair sprout from her fair skin. She morphed into a large white cat.

After licking her paws and rubbing her face, her ears picked up the sound of the retreating rat.

Off she pounced, into the hole, to get her a rat.

The end

Sunday, May 29, 2016

ABS12: Test play, Game System combat & skill + Solo Game Engine + Fact Generator

ABS12 Solo Game Engine and Fact Generator
ABS12: Basic Fact Generator
ABS12 Solo Game Engine: Additionals, Branching, & Conditionals
ABS12: Synonyms for writing using the ABS12 Solo Game Engine
Testing the ABS12 Solo Engine and Fact Generator
ABS12: Story Engine
ABS12: Drama Escalator

ABS: Solo Gaming Engine - flexible version It contains 1d6, 1d8, Fate, Fudge, 1d10, 1d12, 2d6, 3d6, 1d20, 4d6 JAGS, and 1d100 columns and modifiers.

Picture I made after the story was written. A collage of three images. In the actual story, Dwima has one elven blade not two

In this session, I want to try planning to test the skill, combat, solo engine, and fact generator all together if possible to see how they work so far. All of them can be found in the ABS12 gaming system.

In the last test I tried a PL1 fighter vs PL1 fighter. In this one I will try a PL1 fighter with a PL0 encounter.

I will set up the game story first. Each step I will show the work of how those ideas were created. Then I will start the story. When I need a decision I'll use the solo game system. For ideas and story, I'll use the fact generator. For combat I'll use the ABS12 combat system.

After the game detailed story I will do an analysis of the game system and story results.

I will end by cleaning up the story and presenting a more readable first draft of the story with minimal editing. This should be easier to read. But first I begin with the story framework.

Genre: I want to this to be a fighter character in a fantasy setting.

Characters:
Dwima the elven fighter PL1

Fighter11Lf 4Sp 5Def 61d12/3SwordRescue+21Speed3
vs

a grunt orc fighter PL0

Fighter00Lf 0.5Sp 1Def 41d12/3SwordRescue +20Fighting0Speed0

Roll for Scene Location
Rolling for setting seeds using the fact generator.

I'll roll 4 and see if it's enough.

1d12 = 3 = Taste; 1d12 = 12 = Suck
1d12 = 12 = Description; 1d12 = 7 = Small
1d12 = 4 = Hear; 1d12 = 12 = Background
1d12 = 3 = Taste; 1d12 = 12 = Sweet

To me these two words fit togheter like tasting a sweet fruit. Small, Sweet
And these means hearing something in the distance. Suck, Background

I roll one more time to clearify.
1d12 = 8 = Time; 1d12 = 1 = Stop

Scene Setting
Okay, the scene is that Dwima is outside in an orchard tasting a sweet fruit - a golden juicy peach - when in the short distance he hears the sound of an orc sucking loudly on peaches coming down the rows of peach trees. That sound stops him immediately and he will go into action.

Note on the orc language
When the orc speaks, I will use some of the orc vocabulary and grammar that I made for Aioskoru several months ago, which will be unreadable to others. That is until I publish that orc dictionary sometime in the future.


It was beyond delicious.

The sweat nectar of the morian golden peach dripped down the sides of Dwima's mouth as he slowly and carefully took bites from the delicious golden goodness.

It filled his stomach and helped ease the hunger pains that he had been experiencing the last few days during the long hot days of crossing the eastern wasteland. Days when all he saw was grey barren flatland sprinkled with burnt oases.

This is most likely the best food I have ever tasted.

He felt his spirits lifted and having nearly lost his sanity.

"Vinun ka ava kiut kokorov," said a deep gurgled voice, just over the crest of the small rolling orchard hill.

[Does Dwima recognized the orc voice words in his hunger? -2 Somewhat Unlikely in his starved state; 1d12 = 4 - 2 = 2; No, also > Not only does he not recognize the orc's words in his hunger + ]
[Rolling twice for other negative seeds. 5 = Scent, 6 = Woody; 8 = Time, 8 = Old; Old + Woody scent > The scent of the old peach tree orchard wood distracts him as well]

The sweet taste and euphoria that the peach together with the old woody peach tree aroma overtook Dwima's mind.

"This is the best place ever," he shouted and began a dance around amount the fruit trees."

It reminded him of last year's harvest feast, among the myrtle trees.

[The young orc heard the shout and chooses to attack the distracted and slightly insane elf Dwima.
The orc is at an advantage due to the distraction. 1d12 = 5, 1d12 = 6, the 6 is higher.
Offensive roll 1d12 + PL + DL + PL Damage roll
Orc Offensive roll 6 + 0 + 0 (3/3) = 7

Defensive roll 1d12 + PL Defense
Dwima is at a disadvantage due to being distracted.
1d12 = 4, 1d12 = 11, the 4 is lower
Dwima Defensive roll 4 + 6 = 10

The orc's roll is only half way of the possible results - not very good, despite having an advantage.
In addition, the damage portion isn't very good - only 1 out of 4. So obviously, the orc didn't attack well and the situation wasn't great

I roll a quick single time to help explain why.
1d12 = 6 = Think, 1d12 = 8 = Observe
Think, Observe > I interpret this then that the young orc is so focused at hitting the elf that it forgets to to watch it's step.

It does hit Dwima because the 6 exceeded the 4 situation and 2 more skill, but the plate armor easily protected Dwima - only 1 damage to the 4 armor.]

Dwima brought the peach up to -.

He felt his armor jolt in a violent chorus. His plate armor rang out like frantic bell ringer. The shock of the blast temporarily shook him causing him to loose his breath for a moment. He shook his head to clear his head and gasped to gulp in some air. He turned his head to see the stone grey features of an orc trying to regain balance.

Removing his long elven blade, he prepared to fight back.

The scent of wood receded as Dwima squinted and sized up his would be assailant.

"You son of a troll," he brought sword sideways in an arc.

[1d12 = 9 + 1 + 1 + (1d12=3/3) = 12 attack roll
1d12 = 9 + 4 = 13 defense]

Despite his well place blow, it wasn't enough to penetrate the black stinking plate armor.


[I'm going to drop narration and continue when something happens, focusing on major battle events.

Orc attack 5 + (10/3) = 8
Dwima defense 10 + 6 = 16

Dwima attack 6 + 2 + (5/3) = 9
Orc defense 6 + 4 = 10

Orc attack 5 + (8/3) = 8
Dwima defense  2 + 6 = 8]

After several clash of blades, the orc thrust at his throat.

Dwima panicked and barely was able to turn, to avoid possible death.

The orc was grinning a ghastly smile, fangs dripping with saliva.

His grip slightly trembled. Taking a deep breath of the air, he tried to regain his focus on the annoying grey beast in front of him.

[Dwima 11 + 2 + (8/3) = 15
Orc 6 + 4 = 10
15 - 10 = 5 > 4 = Spectacular success
Orc Life 0.5 - 5 = Dead
Spectacular Success + Kill!]

Dwima jumped forward, swinging his blade before the orc could respond.

He felt his blade crunch into the side of orc's head.

The orc's smile and grin froze. Slowly its face muscles slackened.

He yanked the blade from the skull, and the orc fell to the ground.

The trembling in his hands, briefly gone for that moment, returned.

He dropped his blade and fell to the ground.

[6 = Think, 3 = Apply, what does Diwam learn from this experience?]

I need to be more careful.

That old woody scent now felt threatening.

Sitting under the peach tree looking up, he saw one of the peaches drop towards him.

Reaching up, he caught it with one hand.

He held the peach in the air strong and steady. His trembling had dissipated.

Sitting up, looking over the peach briefly, he bit into the peach enjoying and replenishing his strength.

The peaches are good, but not that good.

After he gathered what was valuable from the orc and eating several more peaches.

He stared at a map that he found in the orc's pack. The map showed nearby village locations. Strange orcish markings wrote notes across the map. He tensed his stomach as he saw red ink arrows pointing towards the various villages.

A desperate need to answer questions entered his mind.

What was this orc doing? Do they plan on attacking the villages?

And have they already done so?

He looked in the direction of one of the marked villages. He could make out the river on the map in the distance.

Dwima gathered his gear and headed down the hill towards closest village near the distant river.

Analysis of the Tools
The tools performed pretty well, I think.

It takes me a while to write the bracket material. At first I felt the need to write everything out even the little details to explain the process. As time went by, I created more shorthand form.

The entire setting was a surprise. I added details to try to add significance to orchard.

I figured Dwima would fail, but not by that much. When he did, it forced me to explain how he would be caught totally off guard. That's why I fished for another clue and got the woody scent. So that became my explanation for why he was even more distracted.

The battle, I thought he would take down the orc quicker.

I sort of like how the orc almost hit Dwima.

For more effect, I added my own detail of the 'trembling hands' to help shed a little light on his uncertainty and near broken spirit.

Amazingly the next action was an overwhelming success, which received one of the new rules that I added after last test, the spectacular success. I checked to make sure it was a kill, which at PL 0 is 0.5 Life because they haven't received training yet (I don't think I've updated that in the core book yet). Any damage would have killed this orc.

I one more time and got the think-apply which was a great reminder for Dwima to be more careful and apply what he has learned.

For the rest of the scene I added my own interpretation and wanted to end on a somewhat contrasting and returning back to the beginning with the peach.

I wanted to end the scene with a little bad news - the orc's map. That way the story would have fuel to continue.

Main concern
Mechanic wise, I don't like rolling against myself during combat. It slightly feels like I am fighting myself. I will search out a method to help reduce this feeling.


"Peaches and Blades"
a scene by Ken Wickham 
Copyright © 2016

It was beyond delicious.

The sweat nectar of the morian golden peach dripped down the sides of Dwima's mouth as he slowly and carefully took bites from the delicious golden goodness.

It filled his stomach and helped ease the hunger pains that he had been experiencing the last few days during the long hot days of crossing the eastern wasteland. Days when all he saw was grey barren flatland sprinkled with burnt oases.

This is most likely the best food I have ever tasted.

He felt his spirits lifted and having nearly lost his sanity.

"Vinun ka ava kiut kokorov," said a deep gurgled voice, just over the crest of the small rolling orchard hill.

The sweet taste and euphoria that the peach together with the old woody peach tree aroma overtook Dwima's mind.

"This is the best place ever," he shouted and began a dance around amount the fruit trees."

It reminded him of last year's harvest feast, among the myrtle trees.

Dwima brought the peach up to -.

He felt his armor jolt in a violent chorus. His plate armor rang out like frantic bell ringer. The shock of the blast temporarily shook him causing him to loose his breath for a moment. He shook his head to clear his head and gasped to gulp in some air. He turned his head to see the stone grey features of an orc trying to regain balance.

Removing his long elven blade, he prepared to fight back.

The scent of wood receded as Dwima squinted and sized up his would be assailant.

"You son of a troll," he brought sword sideways in an arc.

After several clash of blades, the orc thrust at his throat.

Dwima panicked and barely was able to turn, to avoid possible death.

The orc was grinning a ghastly smile, fangs dripping with saliva.

His grip slightly trembled. Taking a deep breath of the air, he tried to regain his focus on the annoying grey beast in front of him.

Dwima jumped forward, swinging his blade before the orc could respond.

He felt his blade crunch into the side of orc's head.

The orc's smile and grin froze. Slowly its face muscles slackened.

He yanked the blade from the skull, and the orc fell to the ground.

The trembling in his hands, briefly gone for that moment, returned.

He dropped his blade and fell to the ground.

I need to be more careful.

That old woody scent now felt threatening.

Sitting under the peach tree looking up, he saw one of the peaches drop towards him.

Reaching up, he caught it with one hand.

He held the peach in the air strong and steady. His trembling had dissipated.

Sitting up, looking over the peach briefly, he bit into the peach enjoying and replenishing his strength.

The peaches are good, but not that good.

After he gathered what was valuable from the orc and eating several more peaches.

He stared at a map that he found in the orc's pack. The map showed nearby village locations. Strange orcish markings wrote notes across the map. He tensed his stomach as he saw red ink arrows pointing towards the various villages.

A desperate need to answer questions entered his mind.

What was this orc doing? Do they plan on attacking the villages?

And have they already done so?

He looked in the direction of one of the marked villages. He could make out the river on the map in the distance.

Dwima gathered his gear and headed down the hill towards closest village near the distant river.