BESM 5e Solo, Part 3 - Scarlet Hero, Urban Adventure, Part 2 - And the game is on

All right, so the last time we established what was the crime that Ardet was accused of, but all that we know about the victim is that she has a brother. We definetely need some more informotaion, both about her and where to start the investigation...

“Oh, come on! You know me too well”

“That’s the reason why are you hear and not being quartered.” I look at my brother judgmentally and standing above him while he was sitting in the chair. And rather uncomfortable one. Barkeep found me one after I asked her.

“Who was that girl?”

“Look, I told you… I met her a few days back. We had a few nice chat together…”

“Do you even remember her name” For a guy like Ardet that’s rather tough question.

“’Course I do… It’s… umm…”

[Roll Name Table En’ma d10 = 8] - I've decided against rolling for tribe in this case, because we know the tribe of the brother

“Xia! I think…”

“You think?!”

“Hey, you can’t expect me to remember the name of every girl I sleep with!”

No, but you could remember the name of that one girl that you are going to die for.

“Right. So she slept with you” Like this could happen any other way around… “Then what?”

“That’s just it. She disappeared.”

To process this sort information I needed a whole minute.

“Come again?” And still I thought I hadn’t heard it correctly.

“She wasn’t in bed when I woke up.”

“… What.” All right, I think I need explain something to you, the one who reads this. My brother is actually the type who doesn’t stay for breakfast. But he really knows what a girl wants and usually leaves very early in the morning. And for someone to pull this trick on him… I kind of wanted to see this girl now. Simply just out of curiosity.

“I didn’t think much about it, back then… But then”

“Then her brother appeared thinking that you stole her name.”

“And he wants blood…”

“Did you know?”

“That she is a named one? No. She... didn’t actually showed me anything openly. But you can’t be sure of anything around this bunch…”

“Yeh…” A certain image of brown haired sorcerers started to form in my head. I had no other option than to cut it to pieces… with a heavy heart.

“Right. You stay here. Shan is searching for you. Too dangerous to show your face around the streets.”

“And you?”

“Guess I’ll try to handle this crap you got yourself into, since I having nothing more important to do. Now, where did you stay with her exactly?”

He told me the address.

“Won’t be hard to find I gather. I won’t be long.”

“Thanks you, brother.”

 “Don’t thank me, yet. You are in real mess today. Not sure that I can pull it through. Stay out of trouble for now, you hear me?”

He gave me a nod. No bravado, no stupid retort. For once, he was dead serious, fully knowledgeable about the situation he was in.

“Right. I’m off…” But when I opened the door… “Oh and uh… one more thing. Since you are here think you can pay the barkeep for my longing here and steak? Thanks! You’re the best.”

But before the investigation really starts, I need to know the name of the place where the story takes place.

[Roll on Re’Sha Table of Names d10 + d10: 10 + 10 = Das (Gift, to Give) + Liysh (Land, Mass)]

* * *

I opened the door to find myself on the streets of Da’liysh. The Gifted Land, once part of a bigger World, but now, just a chunk of a soil drifting in the void.  And people are living on its surface. They are walking on its surface which is covered by the net of paved roads, they are leaving in the houses built on it’s rocky soil and looking at the ever-starry sky above their heads. This rock was not a place that was easily reached, no doors, no passage books only ships reach the shores of Da’liysh. Well… that or anything that can ride on the winds of aether. And that raises the question… How the heck Ardet had found me?    

Guess I’ll have to ask the next time I see him…

Right now, I had an address which I had to visit…

Scene 1

The Scarlet Heroes rulebook has a nifty system to handle the investigations

The character has to win the scene in order to collect victory points. The investigation encounters, by default, grant 1 victory point and 1 clue. Clue are the resourse that can be spent to active the special scenes called "Action Scenes". Successfully completing those grant 2 victory points. To solve the crime, character must collect 10 points in order to face the Antagonist of the Investigation for the SHOWDOWN. The antagonist also get Victory points if the Character fail the investigation scene or spend his action on rest.

Since I use 5e rules instead of the oficial Scarlet Heroes rules, odds are not in my favour...

[Clues: 0 Heat: 0
Victory Points Harold: 0
Victory Points Antagonist: 0]

Every time the character proceeds with his investigation, the player needs to roll on the Investigation scene chart, though nothing stops you from actually chosing one if that's appropirate.

[Roll on Scarlet Hero Table of Urban Adventure Scenes of Investigation d10: 2 – Infiltrate a Location where the activities relate to a Clue. On a check Failure, face a Fight]

Like I said beforehand, the house that Ardet spoke of, was easy to find. A two store house with a tile roof. Though I doubted that it would save from the random meteor rain, it definitely gave a summer-y look. Not to mention all the flowers placed around.

My brother never was the one for subtlety, and the place was just right up his alley.

It sounds logical for the victim's brother to have someone to watch over the place in case if the "culprit" returns to the crime scene. So it may be wise to give Harold a chance to see if their's someone of the brother's goons in the area... 

[Roll Harold’s Perception: d20 + 4 = 6] 

Yeeeh, we are off to a good start...

Knowing him, he definitely rented the room on the top floor, with windows and, ideally, the balcony as well. So my first order of business was to ask about the girl that was with Ardet. Xia, if it really was her name…

Not unlike the tavern which I choose to stay in, Ardet’s choice was not just fancy but cozy too, in some way. The first floor resembled more that of the flower store of all things, while the second one was more fitting for a tea shop. And on the top of all they also offered a room for a stay. This place was perfect to bring a girl for a date.

Guess that’s the reason why Kleid chose it, at first place.

“Can I help you?” That was a voice of a cute girl standing behind the bartender counter or should I say the reception desk.

“Uhh… Yeh. I’m looking for my friend. Red hair, long ponytail. You might say he’s attractive… kind off. Heard he’s somewhere around here, thought I might as well say hi to him.”

It didn’t take her long to figure out who I was talking about “Oh yeh… I remember him. He is staying in our finest room.”

“That’s great! Can I see him?”

“Oh, I’m dreadfully sorry, but he’s not here at the moment. He went outside… some time ago…”

“Oh…”

“Yeh. I guess he went after the lady” The way she pronounced this last word was full of reverence.

“The lady?”

“Yes, well” She smiled blushing “Your friend was not here alone last night” But there was a hint of sadness in her voice.

“Oh… I see. And… this lady… Do you know her?”

“Well, I mean…” She chuckled, not unlike an admirer would if she saw her idol. But that laugh was quick to die of.

For a few brief moments her gaze went through focusing on something really scary, standing behind me.

A big balding paw decided to take a rest on my shoulder.

“You are free to go, doll. We’ll take it from here.” This was the voice of a man who was not used to speak politely but to yell battlecries and curse his foes in the heat of a battle.

And a small girl was not to define the advice of… whoever was there behind me. Though I had a good guess…         

The next question that sounds logical if the goons that look over the place were the same ones who were in the inn, looking for Ardet 

[Roll on General Oracle – Do the Bikers know Harold? d20 = 3 = No]

“Red haired and attractive, huh?” 

“I bet he also have a scar on his neck…” The second voice belong to a guy who would you expect to hit you in a back in the tavern brawl… with a chair.

“Let’s come outside. We have loooots to talk about…”

* * *

Only when we left the ‘tea shop’, I saw them. Two chromed horses made of sky silver parked near the entrance. One would wonder why I haven’t noticed those before.

As a DM it's my sacred right to grill the character for failing his check. Especially if that character is mine.   

The rules also clearly states that I need to face the Fight and that's exactly what I do.

However neither D&D 5e bookset, nor Scarlet Heroes have the stats for bikers, so I had to cook up something using the guidelined from Modern d20 rulebook way back from the 3.5 era

And it was a perfect place to have a chat.  

But we didn’t approach the steel horses. Instead I was pushed into an alley, narrow and quiet. Kind of amusing that there are such seedy places as this one on the rock that drifts in the void.

“So… What it’ll be then brat?” He turned on his heels watching straight into my face. “Question or pa..?”

He shouldn’t have called me that.

[Roll Harold’s Initiative: d20 + 4: 18+4 = 22]

In fact, the moment he voiced the two syllable, I’ve pressed my palms against the walls and using them as a leverage lifted myself up and give him a boot in the face. Did I mention that alley was narrow?

[Attack roll: Unarmed strike: d20 + 4: 8+4 = 12 vs AC 12 Bludgeoning: 3; Gang Member: 5/5 – 3 = 5/2]

“Pain sounds good enough.”

But I still had one more problem behind. And I just knew that it was about to stomp me. Riiiiight about the calf…

[Attack roll: Unarmed strike: d20 + 3 = 4 vs AC 14]  

Or at least, he would if I didn’t take a step forward.

The width of the alley was both advantage and disadvantage for me, I knew from where expect the next hit but I also had just two ways to go. Back and straight.

And this one step was enough for a me to get close enough for being kicked by the bear of a man.

[Attack roll: Unarmed stike: d20 + 4: 23: 1d4 + 2 Bludgeoning: 5 ; Harold: 5/6 – 5 = Harold 5/1]

And it was a solid hit. Solid enough to push me back, right into a warm embrace of bear’s pal.

I felt his hands wrapping around my shoulders in a restraining hold. And there was another kick in the ankle coming. He was taking personally against my legs, was he?

[Attack roll: Unarmed strike: d20 + 3 = 13 vs AC 14]

But his kick missed the mark with me wobbling around and moving a leg a bit. He hold me firmly that’s for sure, but he should have locked my head as well. And I was desperate to use any opportunity.

[Attack roll: Unarmed strike: d20 + 4 = 11 + 4 = 15 Bludgeoning: 3, Thug: 5/5 – 3 = 5/2]

I heard the grunt full of pain behind me. A proof of a  solid hit on my end. Though I wasn’t allowed to celebrate for the bear-guy was aiming his fist in my guts.

[Attack roll: Unarmed Strike: d20 + 4 = 19 + 4 vs AC 14 1d4 + 2 Bludgeoning (Tavern Brawler): 3, Harold: 5/1 – 3 = 3/0]

And there was no way I could dodge it…

It was kind of tricky to not forget how to breathe and keep my lunch inside. But somehow, I managed.

And I also managed to use the guy as a leverage, raising both legs and kicking at bear’s chest with those.

[Attack roll: Unarmed Strike: d20 + 4: 14+4 = 18; Bludgeoning: 3; Gang Member: 5/2 – 3 = 4/0]

“Had enough yet?!” I just couldn’t keep my mouth shut, talking bravado and crap while he was reeling from the hit. Feeling invincible.

Even the guy behind me couldn’t shatter my confidence with him still somewhat staggered after the hit in the nose. He DID try to do something…

[Attack roll: Unarmed Strike: d20 + 3: 3+3= 6 vs AC 14]

… but I doubt he didn’t know himself what he was doing. The thing is though that he didn’t have to do something. The “bear” could handle the situation perfectly.

[Attack roll: d20 + 4: 13 + 4 = 17 vs AC 14; 1d4 + 2 Bludgeoning = 1 +2: 3; Harold 3/0 – 3 = 0/0]

And this was the moment when I realised that using 5e combat instead of Scarlet Heroes rules of engagement, and a very brutal Health system for character will lead to a rather sad ending really fast even if it's in some way in tune with all the hardboiled detective shtick that we have here. So I allowed myself to use the Hero Point system rule that is presented in Dungeon Master Guide for 5e. I remember reading about that system in Modern d20 and Star Wars rules published by Wizards of the Coast. 

What the Hero Point rule allow you to do is to add d6 die to attack, ability rolls and saving throws. 

Guess I shouldn’t have been all smug with him, because his next punch landed right into my face.

Did it hurt? Can’t really say. Because the last punch turned the lights out in my attic…

And also it allows you to reroll death saving throws. Which I desperately need to succeed.

Death saving throws: d20 = 17 – Success; d20 = 1 – Failure (1 Hero Point spent); d20 = 1 – Failure (1 Hero Point Spent)

Hours spent while knockout: 1d4 = 4 hours?!

[Roll on the General Oracle: Do Bikers take Harold to Shan? D20: 1 – No?!]

Okay that was suprising. 

Well assuming that they don't want to bother the boss if that's a crazy goose chase and Harold doesn't know anything, what they'll do then?

[Roll on the General Oracle: Do Bikers interrogate Harold themselves? D20: 20 – Oh, yes…] 

BESM 5e Solo, Part 2.5 - Supplemental Material, Supporting Cast - Ardet Kleid

When I first created Harold oh so many years ago, for my first Morrowing and then Oblivion test runs (oh so many years ago), he was even more of edgelord in my head. So I needed a character that would counterbalance him. The pet raven, even if he was a thing, only put more oil in pan, what I really needed was a character who was a clown and not so moody, leading to creation of redhaired pul'he.

Introducing, Ardet Kleid.

--- The Book of Fates: Censor's Entry 200632 ---
"The only heir to the Kleid family after the demise of his parents. Warded by his uncle Pascal Kleid. And the worst candidate to ever hold this position, if I may say so, bluntly. Brash, full of himself and a hopeless womanizer. But he seemed to better himself after experiencing two major events in his life. Meeting Harold who was both enemy and a blood brother from the very first day of their encounter. And experiencing his own death by the hands of a linch mob. After he spent three days in coma the experience didn't make him change his ways but now it was more of an attempt to 'blow of some steam'. I should note that after waking up from his big sleep, the amount of spritual energy in places of his visits had drasticaly increased. The same thing can be said about the Celestial Bureaucracy, agents of which are tend to be more active with the heir of Kleid lineage in the area. I have all the reason to think that after experiencing clinical death Ardet had found the abilities akin to Spiritdancers.
Further observation of the subject must be proceed with caution, taking notice of the close connection to one of the most powerful lineages among Re'sha tribe and the trade connections to Rednav family"

Ardet is a strange character, far from anything balanced. He is a rascal, so Rogue is the class for him. But he comes from the Re'sha tribe, and their kind lives on floating islands, so he's accustomed to heights and climbing... lots and lots of climbing. So his Strength was 12. Since Kleid's favorite sport is "skirt-hunting" he need to be agile enough to climb the balconies, run from the angry husbans and dodge the shotgun weddings, thus his dexterity stays at 14 for now. Harold is a heavy smoker, and a drinker (it's a small wonder how he can be so active during his "night raids"), so Constitution is 10. He had a good eduction and being Harold's blood brother, he had the same teachers most of the time. Intelligence is 12. And though he is not an idiot he's to overconfident and easily distracted, especially if the distraction has a pretty face and sporting pair of B's or bigger. His Wisdom is 9 for now. And finaly, Ardet know what the women want and he can be irresistible despite the hideous scar that he has a momento about the linching, on his neck. His Charisma is 14 and Comeliness is 13.

Now Re'Sha Tribe is something I brewed specifically for both this character and setting taking inspiration from what I've read about races of Zendikar and Eberron, specifically the Kor race and Dragonmarked clans overall.

As Re'sha tribesman, Ardet gets following traits:
Abilities improvement. +2 Dexterity (Dexterity 16 (+3) and +1 Wisdom (Wisdon 10 (+0)

Daredevil. Advantage on rolls against fear

Lucky. Reroll "1" on ability rolls, skill checks and saving throws

Cliffhanger. Additional d4 die on Athletic and Acrobatic skill rolls

As a Rogue, Ardet gets all the the standard bennefits like Sneak Attack and Expertise (which I put in Athletics and Persuasion. For that special swashbuckling feel which fits Ardet pretty well)

His Hit Die is an ordinary d8, which gives him 4 points of Health and 4 points of Stamina.
He also gets proficiency in Light armor, Simple weapon, hand crossbow, short sword and long sword. The standard rules state that rogue is also proficient with rapier but I decided to change that to the tool that is important for any climber. I'm talking about ice pickaxe of course which is basically a warpick (an improvised though, but, hey!)

As for the skills I pick proficiency in Acrobatics, Bluff, Survival and Athletics.

As a Background I decided to take the "Heir" background from "Sword Coast Adventures" which  gives the character History and Persuasion skill profiency.

As for equipment I decide to give him not-so-traditional weapons for rogue, such as a handaxe (another choice for a mountain climbers and survivalists), iceaxe (warpick) and a set of darts, fluffed to resemble throwing knives. The armor that I choose for him is an armor of studded leather (12+Dexterity Bonus), that he wears as a vest.

P.S. You can read about Zendikar which I referred to and Kor race specifically here:

https://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/magic/Plane%20Shift%20Zendikar.pdf

BESM 5e Solo, Part 2 - Scarlet Hero, Urban Adventure, Part 1 - Introduction

Right, so… I’d like to start this series of post by posting a butchered quote by Allan Quatermain: “I must apologize for shortcomings both in style and contents which weighs very heavily upon me”. Writing reports about the games I played is not an easy task. Especially now, when I post a report about the solo run. Most of the solo games I saw were run using videocameras, I however don't actually hav a good one on me right now and during the playthrough. Furthermore, even if I have a habbit talking to myself, that doesn't mean I feel confident talking to myself using different voices. So this game I decided to "depict" as emersive as immersive as possible. Thus, the big chunk of this and the posts that follow will be written from the point view of the character.

Well then... in the previous post, we’ve established a character, and outline of the World. The only thing lacking is any connection between the two. How can we integrate the character and the setting. Honestly, I had no idea, that’s why I rolled on Adventure Tags that can be found in Scarlet Heroes, sixty adventure ideas are divided between three labels: Urban Adventure, Wilderness Adventure and Dungeon Adventure. I decided to rile one die (d6) to see from which table should I roll.

1-2 Urban

3-4 Wilderness

5-6 Dungeon.

And I rolled “2”. Which is actually good. Because, Urban adventures is the most strong part of the Scarlet Heroes ruleset. So I roll d20 on the Adventure chart
And I got “18” – "Feuding families"
Hmm…

Any story has a beginning. This one in particular started with a roar of engines and a yell. Though the yell came up first.

“HAROOOOOOOOLD!”

That was the only sound which I wished I hadn’t have to hear.

The worst thing however, was not someone, actually, was screaming my name at the top of his lungs…  Yes, I’m Harold, nice to meet you all, how are you all doing today?
But I actually knew the one who was doing all the yelling.

Ladies and gentlemen and, also readers, allow me to introduce you to my brother, - Ardet Kleid.
And the only face I didn’t wish to see that day.

“Yeh?” I could have just kept my trap shut, but instead, I indulged  him. He is my brother, after all. Well, somewhat…

“We’ve got problem.”

“We?”

“Fine, I’ve got problem!”

“You don’t say” In all honesty, I can’t actually remember a single day when Ardet was not neck-deep in troubles. And nine of ten times it was because of the women.

“Who was she this time?”

“That’s… not really important.”

The barkeep grunted and I chuckled. You see? With an attitude of such it’s no wonder that everyone wants his head, again women specifically.

Nevertheless, he continued.

“What really matters is her brother…”

I waited him to continue. Ardet, however, kept a dramatic pause. Damn his dramatics.       

“All right. I’ll bite. Who is her brother?”

While I was preparing for the adventure I've prepared a d66 table of random threats, whitch I called "BANG". I used it to find out who was Ardet running from.

I got "snake eyes" - a roll of 11   

The roar of engines was the answer to my question. Though, I didn’t think much of it at the time. In fact, I didn’t look in my brother’s eyes during the conversation. All my being, honestly, was interested in the stake that was oh so very close but out of reach in the hands of barkeep.

“Oh, not this again…” The voice of a barkeep sounded both annoyed and desperate with her looking outside the window.

“Someone you don’t want to see?”

“Something I wish I didn’t have to see anymore” She turned her head acknowledging my presence. It took her afew seconds to register that she was still holding my order.

“Oh, sorry…” Finally a plate with a steaming meat was right under my nose.

“Enjoy”

I was way ahead of her. I dig in as a hungry wolf.

“Mfankf!” I ate almost nothing yesterday for a whole day, so forgive me my lack of manners. That’s precisely what barkeep did. If anything, she looked amused watching me butchering the meat. Even if she was far away in her thoughts. The same went to other patrons. They all looked at the door expecting the worst to come.

And the worst announced its arrival kicking down the door. There were four of them walking into the bar, tough looking, sporting black leather. And louder that a pack of hunting dogs that got the scent of the fox. 

Speaking of the fox... I looked both sides, lazily. No trace of him, of course. He may be an idiot but not stupid enough to stand there and wait his certain death.

I gave Harold a chance to find where Ardet was Hiding.

[Roll Ardet - Stealth: d20 + 3 = 4 vs. Harold’s Passive Perception of 14]

I bet, he was hiding behind the barkeeps counter. Could have thought of something better, honestly…

The roll of 11 on the "BANG" chart ment that a group of astral bikers walks into the bar.

Then I roll for amount of people that entered the bar. I rolled 2d4 and got 4 (2+2)

The next thing I do is ask the Orcale if that's all of them.

[Is that all of them (Unknown)? Oracle answer: d20 = 3 – No!]

The next logical thing is to find out how many of them out there on the street, I roll 1d4 and get "4". Of course.

The next thing to determine is the attitude of the gang or rather their leader using the chart of Initial Attitude of Non-player character. Whom I detemined to be "Unfriendly".

Roll of 2d6 gives me the result of "3" - Anger/Scorn. But of course.

“Where is he?!” Roared the gang leader.

“Wferf fho?” Too late I understood that I’ve should have kept my mouth shut. Now I have their full and utmost attention.

Here I decided that Harold must roll his Sanity Save: d20 + 1. The result was "8". He couldn't keep his mouth shut. 

I also concluded that this was a good oportunity to give the biker gang leader some personality. 

[Roll on NPC Table d20: 9 = Human Tribes]

[Roll on Tribal Table d20: 17 = En'ma]

[Roll on Age Table d4: 2 = Young and Vigorous]

I also rolled if he was willing to answer Harold's question. And he may be angry towards Ardet but he sees Harold for the first time, so to the Gang Leader Harold is a "Stranger"

[Roll on Initial Attitude Table of Strangers: 2d6 = 10 = Full Agreement]

The leader nailed me to my stool with his gaze… A young man, somewhere around my age. I couldn’t help but notice the markings on the face. A pair of simple lines on cheekbones, customary to Enma. I’ll be honest it was strange to see one of his kind choosing metal and oil over the tree, bone and water.

“A red haired pul’he. The asshole sports a ponytail, wears green. Has a nasty scar on the neck”

I waited about ten seconds swallowing a very big bite before answering as honestly as I could.

[Roll Harold – Deception: d20 + 0: 17 vs Astral Biker’s Insight 10]

“Can’t say I did, sorry.” I turned to the barkeep.

“What about you? Have you seen him?”

The only one eye of hers that was not covered by her braids looked at me judgmentally.

“No. No, I haven’t.” She was good she was even able to control her tail the only thing that could give her away.

“Are you sure you saw him?” The gang leader turned to one of his crownies.

“He should have. I mean, there are not many places where he could hide”

Still something not convinced he scanned the tavern like a bloodhound. It was the time to distract him somewhat.

“So, what this guy did anyway?”

[Roll Harold Persuasion with Advantage: d20 = 8 and 10 vs Astral Biker’s Insight 10] Since the barkeep and the tavern patrons decided to play along with Harold and his bluff, I decided to give character an advantage on this roll. 

And the next roll is very important because it determines what kind of city adventure (investigation) Harold will have go through.

 [Roll Urban Adventure Hook: d8 = 7 = The Target faces a Calamity due to a crime committed by an Untouchable Antagonist]

Next thing I roll is a kind of crime which Ardet is accused of, using d6. And I got "3" - A theft.

And to determine what kind of theft we are talking about, I roll d8, which gives me the result of "8" - "A theft of secret"

Now, what kind of secret can the sister of gang leader have...

Hmmm...

“IT stole my sister’s name”

It took almost me the whole minute for this accusation to sink in. In a complete almost graveyard-like silence.

“Oh…”

“Exactly. The bastards like him should not breath”

“I. Agree.”

I decided to give biker a chance to find Ardet. Surprisingly, his roll was even worse than Ardets.

[Roll Astral Biker Perception d20+0 = 3 vs Ardet Stealth: 4]

The gang leader cast a final glance at the tavern before signaling his flunkies to move out. But not before addressing me again.

“You, Greyhaired! Should you stumble upon this filth…”

I nod knowingly.

“You’ll be the first one to know. Heck, I might even kill him myself. To save you the trouble.”

“No, he’s mine.” The way he said it made it clear that he was serious about being the first to deal with him. “But I appreciate the gesture. Didn’t catch your name, though”

“It’s Harold”

One quick roll on the table of En'mas names and I ended up with result of "8" 

“Shan.” And with that he left the tavern.

Soon we heard a roar of engines soon to fade. The barkeep and the patrons were only happy to breath out. I couldn’t allow myself such luxury.

In one swift moment I jumped from my chair, bend over the counter and grabbed Ardet’s collar of the jacket.

“We. Need. To talk…”

And this is where I end this lengthy introduction and also this post.   

BESM 5e Solo, Part 1.5 - Supplemental Material, Tribes - Beastmasters

Okay, let's dwelve right into...

In my previous post I did mention that the inspiration for Nor'en tribe was found in Vanadis Dragomarked in Eberron, the only difference is that the power of Dragonmark was spread among bigger quantatity of people, leading to formation of the whole tribe.

Well, here's some information about this tribe...

All that follows is fluff, for the Dragonmark of Animal Handling to fit better in the setting. The game mechanics of the Tribe are identical to those that can be found in "Wayfinder Guide to Eberron"

Nor’yen, Nor'en ~ No-ryen (The Beastmaster’s Tribe)

Summary.

Indeed, there is no other such tribe in The Known that could put so much fear into the hearts of both men and beasts. Once this Tribe reigned as Emperors with their civilization was built by the beastfolk-slaves, all thanks to their skills of beasttoungue and breaking the will of beats to their whim. But that was long ago. Their empire is now in crumble, the beastfolks now roam free and the Nor’ens are few and scattered, living in a small communities, always on a road or living on their own, not knowing about their heritage. Secretive and preferring isolation and deceit they are willing go to the far lengths to keep their origin hidden…

Origin.

There’s no other tribe that was more feared and hated than the tribe from the long lost world of Noran.

If someone was willing to make a register of all the worlds, the Noran would be cataloged as one of the most green in The Known. The whole world is one bid rainforest that is covered in the patches of swamps and drawn with the lines of rivers filled with life and critters.

Men who once lived here had to struggle for existence fighting with wild beastfolk tribes and packs of saurus.

Bust the Known is a just place and men of that world had an ace in their sleeves an ability to control and bend the will of any beast they see. A few generations had passed before men of Noran were riding the tamed sauri. Taming the beastfolk took them only few months.

Hor’ens were the lords of their world for a thousand of years. Not limited only by their native world their power outreached to the worlds beyond capturing the slaves from those as well.

And so it went on, until the beatfolks rebelled. According to the scares resources, the rebellion was led by the saurus that could stand straight and breath fire. Others mention the beastman who were unshaken by the beasttongue gift of the Nor’ens. While according to the third party the leaders of the rebellion were actual dragons. No matter the source though, the hatred towards Nor’ens still burns bright in the hearts of the beastmen. Not many Nor’ens have survived such purge and even less do live nowadays, at least such who claims to be of Noran origin anyway. Mostly they keep to the woods and steppes always on the move, though there those who are skilled enough to hide among the crowd. And as for their gift… it’s probably had weakened significantly through the last centuries if not diminished completely.

Not to mention, that it will always be easy to distinguish the Nor’en, for the legends say that his eye will change to a vibrant green when he usex his gift of beattongue .

Culture.

  

Nor’ens are very popular characters in the folklore of The Known. And while beastfolks depict them as monsters and boogieman hiding under the bed, the legends of other tribes depict Beasttongues as tricksters.

The popular motive is of Nor’en using his gift to save a child snatched by hungry wolves or take control of the dog to bite the tyrannical lord in his throat at night or make the cat spy on the witch.

Keeping to themselves does not make them loved by other folk. Some rumors tell that their gift is powerful enough to bend the will even that of the man. Maybe their gift is weak now or maybe they never had such power at first place, but fear and faith in their gift only kept growing and still strong among the dwellers of the Known.

Improved Attributes: + 1 Dexterity, +1 Wisdom, + 1 Player’s Choice


Age. Reach adulthood at the age of 14, can live up to a century.


Height. Average height is between 5 and 6 feet. Considered to be a Medium sized creature.


Speed. 30 feet (6 squares)


Beast scense. The Beasttongue gift allows Nor’en to add d4 to Animal Handling (Wisdom) and Nature (Inteligence) rolls


Taming Hand. Nor’en can perform “aid action” giving an advantage to an aliened beast or beastfolk companion within 30 feet instead of 5, according to rules of the initial game.


Beasttongue. Nor’en can cast “Animal Friendship” spell once per rest


Beastmaster. All spells that affect beasts and animals also affect monsters with Intelligence equal or less than 3. The eyes of Nor’en when this ability active change the color to a vibrant green


Languages. Norno (Tribal Native), Edira (Common).

BESM 5e Solo, Part 1 - Completed Character

Harold Trend

1st level Ranger, Street Scholar Background, Ophiuchus Zodiak Sign, Blood Type: B-

Strength:        14 (+2)

Dexterity:       14 (+2)

Constitution:  12 (+1)

Inteligence:     12 (+1)

Wisdom:          14 (+2)

Charisma:       11 (+0)

Comeliness:     12 (+1)

Unarmed Strike: 3 Bludgeoning (1 + Str)

HD: 5 Health / 6 Stamina

AC (Duster Coat): 14 (12 + Dex)

Skills: Animal Handling (d4 + 4), Arcana (+3), Nature (d4 + 1), Perception (+4),
Sleight of Hand (+4), Survival (+4)

Martial Proficiencies: Weapons: Simple and Martial, Armor: Light and Medium

Civil Proficiencies: Languages: Edira (Common), Norno (Tribal), Si'ara (True Speech)
Tools: Calligraphers supplies

Passive Perception: 14

Passive Investigation: 11

Passive Insight: 12

Traits and Abilities:
Beast scense.
Taming Hand.
Beasttongue.
Beastmaster.

Spells: Animal Friendship (1/rest)

Equipment: Scholars Pack (Backpack, Lore book, Bottle of ink, Ink pen, Parchment x 10, Bag of sand, small knife) Calligraphers supplies, Travellers cloaths, Lighter, Scroll case, Rope (Hemp, 50 feet), Waterskin, Healers kit, Grapling hook, Purse, Pack of Smokes x 18

Trinkets: Necklace made of fangs and claws, pair of black wooden earrings  

Vallues: 2 copper rings. 3 silver rings, 1 gold ring   

P.S. Lighter was bought using Steampunk equipment rules by Tribality community

https://www.tribality.com/2016/03/25/steampunk-equipment-for-dd-5th-edition/

Pack of smokes (cigaretes) was bought using the prices of tobacco in 3.5 and establishing the ammount of tobacco in one smoke and after that multiplied. If someone wondering, the pack of smokes in this game costs 25 copper.

Preparations and Creation

So, finally it came to character creation. And for the first solo playthrough I chose a character that I had for a considerable amount of time. A mascot that I used for many test videogame runs and testing character creations in tabletop rpgs. Most of the time I try create and play as an unarmed ranger. Finally it's his time to shine as a character for his own adventure.

Introducing Harold T. Trend. What follows is a bit of world building thrown into the creation process. Such things actually helps me with all the process.

--- The Book of Fates: Censor's Entry 200502 ---
" Harold's story is a story of an urchin. A street rat with no parents, nor home. And he was unlucky enough one day to pickpocket someone he shouldn't. His mark was young scholar Airus Trend of Edasi Tribe alongside his back-then girlfriend Esther of Ik'hadi tribe who took the urchin under their wing. Maybe out of pity or maybe they've found something in this kid to their liking.
Edasi are know as scholars and planeswalkers (among other things) and Airus is not an exception. He and his soon-to-be wife taught the child everyithing they knew and all that could help the boy in the future. And the help he needed indeed, for Harold is one of those few who has blood of the Nor'yen Tribe in his veins, a tribe of Beastmasters who rulled supreme in their Homeworld over Beasts, Beastmen and Men alike.
Millenia have passed but Nor'yens are still shun especially by the former slaves, the beastfolk.
Harold is known to travel across the World believed to be searching for any traces of his native tribe or to be dragged around by numerous cohorts, especially Ardet Kleid of Re'sha Tribe, a spirit dancer and the heir to Kleid dynasty.
The person of interest is well trained and notorios enough to have a bounty on his head in several Worlds. Not to be apprehanded because of the fact being protected by Trends the Godslayers and Ik'hadi heiress to the position of Chieftess. Additional surveillance is needed. "

Specifically for this build and all related to the character and setting I use the point-buy option, provided in Players Handbook with addition of using 30 points instead of 27, described in Dungeon Masters' Guidebook which is suggested to use exactly with 7 stats.

So, the actual buy was looking like this: 13 (5), 13 (5), 13 (5), 12 (4), 12 (4), 12 (4) 11 (3) = 5 + 5 + 5 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 3 = 30.

Harold is both troublemaker and troublshooter, so he needed to hit hard and avoid being hit. And again, he is a pacifist of sort, he tries not to kill unles he can't help it. And thus, his Strength and Dexterity are 13 (+1), he is not tough but can take a few punches, so his Constitution is 12 (+1). Inteligence is 12 (+1) he is not booksmart but he had a best education that anyone in his place could dream of. Furthermore, Harold is stubborn and due to his upbringing and the people he tag alone with he needs a lot of common sense. Especially if he needs to survive another crazy plan of Ardet Kleid and as such his Wisdom is 13 (+1) Charisma is not his forte, plus he can come out as a bit of an "edgelord" (The benefit of playing solo is I can go as crazy and cringy as I want). But he is nice to the eyes even if he has a freekisly big scar across his cheek, though some would argue that this is part of his charm. Charisma 11 (+0), Comeliness 12 (+1)

Furtermore I needed to establish his race in terms of D&D and the modifiers that goes with it. Way back in the days I was really hooked at the idea of Dragonmarked houses in Eberron setting for 3.5 ruleset. Back then I had this idea: "What if it's not the house or clan or family that has a specific king of power gifted by the Dragon God but the whole society" Thus the idea of Tribes was born.

A book in question. It has everything and it's really awesome!

Harold belonged to the Nor'yen tribe a tribe of beastmasters (also known as Beasttongues) inspired by House Vadalis and their Dragonmark of Handling from Eberron setting and for a long time I had problems with depicting the power list of house in 5e/next ruleset. I was thinking using feats that grant spells for limited uses, but then the ruleset of playing Eberron in 5e came out. I am talking about Wayfinder Guide to Eberron (Eberron" Last War came out later, when the character was finished and I was far in adventure) that had rules on playing Vadalis Chapter House all I had to do is just refluff te stuff.

I won't bore you with the fluff stuff (that will a discussion for another post) I'll just write the important bits.

Improved Attributes. + 1 Dexterity (Dexterity: 14(+2), +1 Wisdom (Wisdom 14(+2), + 1 Player’s Choice. I chose to put this extra 1 into Strength pumping it up to 14 (+2)

Beast scense. The Beasttongue gift allows Nor’en to add d4 to Animal Handling (Wisdom) and Nature (Inteligence) rolls

Taming Hand. Nor’en can perform “aid action” giving an advantage to an alliened beast or beastfolk companion within 30 feet instead of 5, according to rules of the initial game.

Beastmaster. All spells that affect beasts and animals also affect monsters with Intelligence equal or less than 3. The eyes of Nor’en when this ability active change the color to a vibrant green.

So now we approached the Class. There's no dillema hear. I chose the standard Ranger, that gives me proficiency with all simple and martial weapons, proficiency in wearing light and medium armor, d10+1 hit die, which was divided between Health 5 and Stamina 6, Natural Explorer ability that I decided to give him a proficiency over Coastlines and Favorit Enemy ability that gives him advantage in tracking and information gathering over Humans and Gnolls. And finally the proficiency in such skills as Perception, Survival and Animal Handling

As for a background I wanted to show his status as a student that comes from the very bottom. To do this, I decided to use the homebrew content and picked the background: Street Scholar that gives the character proficiency with Caligraphers tools, and mastery over Sleight of Hand and Arcana skills.

Remembering that the character is "an edgelord but pacifist" I didn't give him any weapon and spend all the money on differents tools and instruments and bought a Studded Leather Armor (12+Dexterity Bonus), then to show character's "edginess", the armor was fluffed into a Duster Coat.

With all the preparations done and out of the way, we can start the adventure.

The illustration is the courtesy of Shailo "Siciel" Kou, you can find more of her works here https://www.deviantart.com/shailo

P.S. Here's the link to the Wayfinder Guide to Eberron
https://www.dmsguild.com/product/247882/Wayfinders-Guide-to-Eberron-5e

You can also use the material, from this book for free as part of Unearthed Arcana. The Dragonmarks were the main inspiration for a concept of Tribes (September 2018) - https://media.wizards.com/2018/dnd/downloads/UA_Dragonmarks.pdf

And the link to the community-brewed Street Scolar background (Web Archive link since the code of the parental EnWorld page is broken)
http://web.archive.org/web/20160510041943/http://www.enworld.org/forum/5ebackgrounds/showentry.php?e=54