AJ has ideas for most of us as real actors/people in media who we look like. We have pintrest boards full of it.
But AI makes it more unique. I’m not going to get into the merits of it. Or the horrors. So please if you have an opinion this is not the place to share it. You can unfollow me if you find my stance offensive. AJ doesn’t want to hurt anyone’s feels, but me, I don’t care. This is my site. My world and it’s okay. And there are no debates here. Unless you want to debate sparkly vampires then I’ll fight you.
So AJ started with me and my twin sister. And she then used the same AI generation program to make some subtle changes and aged them up. Here are the images. She uses Artflow.ai for character portraits. It’s wonderful.
We won’t be doing that series. AJ didn’t get any writing done in September and definitely don’t think we can keep the pace to do it this month on the drop of a hat, so not gonna happen.
AJ is working on a new rendition of my story, we are in the planning stages and we will attempt to write in November as part of what was formerly NaNoWriMo. There are a lot of things taking place this fall for writing.
So AJ decided that instead of writing a new ‘novel’ story we were going to bring you a The Mind of Nox exclusive story. All ‘chapters’ will be posted here, in order probably unedited to any major degree. It will be a serial story. We have 20 posts planned for each episode. And I think there are 20 episodes in the overall story if we decide to go that far.
Alex and I will be soul-bound cursed souls who solve cases in their off time because they have to.
We will start October 6th, run the first episode for 4 weeks, 5 days a week. That’s the plan anyway.
We don’t have a series name or an episode name yet, but we will closer to time and maybe a cover too. We are filing out all the basic needs right now and hope to start writing well before October.
I know I haven’t been consistent in my posting in a long while. But today was a cool milestone 50K views over all time. That’s since January of 2016.
Can’t beat those first few years with the Daily Post hosted by WordPress itself.
I’m trying to think of a way to pull in people and tell more stories without bogging AJ down. Writing isn’t going well with the new schedule and the addition of a new puppy. While he’s adorable there isn’t as much time for me.
I haven’t updated in a while. My bad. Or rather AJs bad.
Alex and I got a fresh little story of an aspiring rockstar back home in his small town. It’s not a perfect finish to the story but we at least got a happy for now moment.
AJs been working on a new world and new game mechanics based on the Story Mode stuff I last shared. We have a bunch of rules and notes. And AJ’s currently working on some basic guidelines and walk throughs for a new character — someone coming into my world for the first time.
I think AJ is planning on creating a character that’s not me and playing a manual game when visiting back home. At least that’s the goal.
Alex and I have set out three times now into this world and AJ said well wait, let’s do this instead. And so we’ve restarted a third time. Alex went first and his prologue is done. AJ’s working on mine now. It’s possibly going to be part of two competitions. One with big stakes, the other with a smaller prize, but still worth it.
A lot is going on.
I should try to post more often. Not sure what would be most interesting though.
AJs adjusted the sleep schedule, writing time has been paired down and a longer evening before bedtime so AJ stops falling asleep during work hours. Lots of brain strain going on. So less me time *pouts*
Anyway.
If you have any ideas or what to hear about anything specific hit me up in the comments I’d love to make a comeback here with something you actually want to listen to me ramble about.
So I told you all about the app AJ used. Well it’s been cleaned up and it’s currently found at here for anyone to use.
It uses a series of Oracle and checks based on a Scene Status.
There are two tables, which basically are the same thing the oracle being a DC of 15. Ands always help you, and But’s should hinder you in some way.
The Scene Status is based on a similar mechanism to the Cypher System where the Status Target number (the DC) is 3 times the Status. The Scene Status is a 1d6 so the range is from 3 to 18.
d20
Result
1
Fail, and
2 to DC-6
Fail, but
DC-5 to DC-1
Success, but
DC to DC+4
Success
DC+5 +
Success, and
If you give it a try and things are broken you can reply here and AJ will take a look or you can head on over to the Github Repo (the one icon that isn’t labeled) and leave an issue.
And here is an example of a scene setup AJ went through to play with the app.
Example Play
Is this a modern world?
Yes(1d20: [19] = 19)
Are we in a city?
Yes, but(1d20: [5] = 5) Song, Wilderness, Wealth
The city is rich and surrounded by wilderness.
Is the city named in a song?
Yes(1d20: [19] = 19)
Does the song exist in our world?
Yes(1d20: [19] = 19)
The story will take place in Barcelona, Spain during the Running of the Bulls.
Have Nox and Alex met before?
Yes(1d20: [19] = 19)
Is this still the first time they’ve met?
Yes, but(1d20: [3] = 3) Important, Crypt, Hide
Nox and Alex met on this important trip. Nox is looking for an ancient crypt and Alex is trying to hide.
Did they meet on the plane?
Yes, but(1d20: [3] = 3) Important, Statue, Boy
They met on the plane. They sat next to each other and Alex compared Nox to the Statue of David while Nox tried not to freak out about flying. Alex calls Nox Pretty Boy and talks him through the ordeal.
Are Nox and Alex watching the Running of the Bulls?
AJ has been itching to do some fun easy sketches of me and Alex in a random sort of way. I think she’s got the perfect things already started and just needs to modify it a little bit for the intended purpose. So yet another clone of https://generators.just-us.net her little app she made for automating some of her rolls. It’s called Story Mode and it was very cute situation. It was fun.
Let me know if you like this and we can post more. AJ’s been looking for something to share that’s easy to do.
Scene situation is dull, nothing interesting is happening Adventure Status: Solid 1 (3) Weather: Clear
Are Alex and Nox in the same scene together?
No
Is it just Nox?
No, but Communion, Saviour, Guidance GM Intrusion: +1XP Glitter, Explosion, Treacherous
In the middle of The Church of the Guiding Savior an explosion of Glitter spews from the rafters as a small boy crawls underneath the pews.
Alex is a ward of the church and is avoiding his classes. A priest chases after him.
Is the priest close?
No
Can Alex slip outside of the large double doors in the front of the church?
No
Is there a back way past the altars?
Yes
Is it locked?
Yes, but Door, Unthinking, Fall
Alex tires to pick the lock with a bobby pin that is laying on the floor forgotten.
Success [1(3) → 11]
Does the door lead outside?
No, but Glowing, Treacherous, Reflect
The door leads further into the church and Alex knows that if he goes deeper he’ll end up in deeper water than he already was.
Is there another exit to try?
Yes
Is it across the altar?
Yes, but Ammunition, Scuttling, Foot
Alex makes his way across the altar knocking over the offering and stubbing his foot on the choir pews.
Does he make it to the other door?
Yes
Is it locked?
Yes, and Damage, Embrace, Pleasant
The door looks like it’s been kicked in one too many times, but it’s still locked.
Alex tries to pick the lock.
Success [1(3) → 16]
Is the priest close?
Yes
Close enough to grab Alex?
No
Does the door lead to the outside?
No, and Vibration, Orbit, Animal droppings
Things get weird as Alex hurries through the door. His vision blurs and things begin to vibrate. The smell of dog poop permeates the room and the next thing Alex sees is Earth looking through a port hole window on some space station in orbit.
Apparently today marks 9 years in my blogging. Wow! Too bad I’ve not been actively trying to keep it going all those 9 years. But we’ve been trying.
AJ’s thinking about give us a little more me and Alex and less urban fantasy. Though we haven’t completely bailed on it. We might do an alternate Nox and Alex in my world where we focus on the romance arc and not the whole ascension thing. But you never know.
Today I came to write to talk about Snomagedon 2025 in AJ’s home town. They received 5.5 inches of snow in a place where in the 21 years AJ’s lived there it’s snowed 3 times and it never stuck barely considered flurries.
The kids have been out of school for 2 days and they will be out tomorrow as well.
The South has absolutely no way to deal with snow so it sits on the roads melting and freezing till it’s gone. And it’s not going to get warm enough today to clear the roads of the snow and not refreeze for tomorrow’s commute. They are advised to not drive unless you have to and of course some businesses are you must come in.
AJ lost power several times this morning cause someone probably hit a power pole nearby and knocked it out. Thankfully it wasn’t out for more than a little while. And what was out for a while was quickly restored. So no one was without heat for too long.
This morning it was 10F it’s supposed to get up to about 34F today. So just barely enough to melt. But maybe tomorrow or later today AJ’s kid will try to make a snowman. They tried yesterday but the snow was too fluffy and didn’t pack well. But today it should be good.
AJ read the Glitter short from several years ago and got to feeling. I really like this guy. So AJ spent some time hunting for the original documents for the story.
She found the original markdown docs, the converted to word, and then imported them into Dabble only to realize she was on the wrong Dabble account and they were already there…
So AJ deleted that document and then reorganized the original Dabble document and we’ve started reading and editing the story.
Maybe we’ll continue the story. Pick up where Lost in New York ended? Or start the second arc all over again. Or maybe just stop at The Power of Succession and end the story. Either way we are doing a reread of it.
AJ might clean up some of the power usage she has issue with, don’t really care about the wrong dates so we won’t be using the rewritten version of the first book we did do. We might clean up some characters. We’ll see how it all goes.
Might make some new book covers. We’ll see. AJ has a lot of ideas about new stuff so we might just end up back to writing another version. I think AJ wants to write some and game less. I dunno, but right now we are doing a review of the old world.
Blood-stained ritual circle: I’m no slouch, and I’m not even squeamish, but seeing a ritual circle drawn in blood leaves something to be desire. Death and decay permeated the whole place and I swear I could almost see the blood rotting before my eyes.
Candles Made of Human Fat: Candles are candles right? well not these ones, they were made from human fat. And how do I know this you might ask, well see my partner and mentor is a vampire. He could tell just by the way they smelled. I definitely didn’t get close enough to smell them after he said that to me.
Remnants of victims: It’s not uncommon to be called into a crime scene that is bloody or gruesome but I’ll never get over the idea of seeing a dead body or their parts thrust up on hooks like some piece of meat I might eat later. It’s almost enough to turn me vegan or something. But I like steak too much. They weren’t just trust up like a turkey, there were organs in jars, vials of blood. Totally gave me the creeps looking at the collection.
Strange Pulsing Crystals: The strangest thing on that case was the pulsating crystals like there was life in them. Ant and I never really got a chance to investigate as the culprit was found a block away covered in blood dragging a corpse behind him. Stupid idiot.
Today I met my mentor’s family. Meaning today, I meant the most famous vampire in all of Mokkara. The Hound, Il Cane, the very same creature who scares all the little vampires into being good.
Let’s just say she didn’t like me much. And it didn’t help that when she tried to attack me I kinda sorta defended myself with a shield which I was hoping was air, but turned out to be light and well, she got a sunburn.
The stench of burning hair and flesh still permeates my nose. I can’t get rid of the smell. Thankfully the shield powered down and no one got seriously injured, but still. She wasn’t happy with me. But teach her to bum rush a guy with chaotic magic. She won’t be doing that again.
But after that things got better. We were at their home in Nokthara gearing up to take down some other rogue vampire. He’d been caught draining the life of some poor girl who barely escaped thanks to the vigilante, Witchblade, who saved her.
Men in masks and tights were becoming prevalent in Mokkara. All those would be good Samaritans using their so-called magic and abilities to save the innocent thinking they are helping The City out by going rogue. But that was a human problem. The Mokkara police were out looking for all the vigilante’s but they weren’t having any luck finding them. Maybe they should ask for help since the aren’t human. But they don’t. They just keep trying to be stupid mundanes.
Survival Tips: Give practical or sarcastic survival tips for dealing with monsters, treacherous terrains, or annoying companions.
Learn to Start a Fire: Fire provides warmth, protection, and a means to cook food. Always carry multiple methods of starting one.
Listicles: Fun or serious lists related to topics of interest (e.g., “Top 5 Most Bizarre Encounters” or “Things I Wish I Knew About Magic”).
Keywords: Sister, Question, Foot, Raid, Rope
Channel your Inner Rage
For most people this wouldn’t work. For me, yeah, it’s happened before. I get so angry that things just implode with a thought. It’s dangerous. Don’t do it.
Summon Fire Elementals
Now I didn’t do this. Lotar, my guardian once told me a horror story about a girl he knew when he was a child. Which honestly I’m surprised he remembered since he’s like 400 years old or something like that. But then again elves have long childhoods. She tried to summon elementals. They were supposed to be small but they weren’t. Almost burnt down the house.
Dancing Shoes
A kid I knew in school tried to enchant his shoes so that he could be a better dancer. It worked, he danced for hours and hours until the souls of his shoes melted and his parents came home to find a small blaze in their living room where he was practicing. He almost died, but his parents were able to disenchant the shoes and put the fire out before that could happen.
Risqué Dance Moves
Like the prior one, you don’t want to try to twerk your way into a fire. It’s a superstition, no one’s ever seen it happen, but who wants to go out like that?
Magnifying Glass in the Moon Light
This won’t work, cause ya know the moon light is a reflection of the suns light and doesn’t actually produce enough heat by the time it reaches the earth. But what’s a baby vampire to do when he’s not feeding on humans?
I: You were raised in the Thalorian Circle. They believe in the cycle of life and death and fate and balance. Is that something you hold as a truth?
Nox: Balance yes, that fate dictates my actions – no. I don’t believe in that. Nothing is predetermined, we are what we make of a situation.
I: So does that mean you don’t believe in soul mates?
Nox: Someone I’m destined to be with. not really. Do I believe that there is someone out there for everyone. Yes, that I do believe.
I: How is that different from soul mates?
Nox: It’s not fate that brings you together. The pattern of the cosmos doesn’t care how it flows as long as it flows.
I: But doesn’t that go against your training?
Nox: laughs Sure. But then no one in my coven can touch raw chaos either, so why should they believe that the world is nothing but chaos and we as living breathing beings are what shape that chaos. It’s not predetermined its chaos. Our lives shape it.
I: Chaos. Tell us more about what you can do?
Nox: I can do what every other Sussuri can do only mine isn’t predetermined. It’s literal chaos unleashed. Nox points to a rune behind his left ear This shields me from most of the chaos around, keeps my magic in check. Without it things might blow up randomly or create gusts of winds or moving shadows. It’s unpredictable. And it is the raw power of the universe. All Sussuri can wield it through ritual in its finer elements, it’s controlled and predictable. mine isn’t.
I: Does that make you as dangerous as the supernatural you hunt?
Nox: I suppose it meant that when I was a child and had little control, but Lotar, my guardian, he bound my powers until I was able to understand control and reasoning. But with training and understanding the power is under control and I’m no more a danger to anyone. No more so than any other supernatural being.
I: What kind of training did you undergo?
Nox: Same as all the other Sussuri kids except my work wasn’t as predictable as theirs.
I: Did you receive any special training?
Nox: Of course, I had mentors from various aspects and I knew from an early age I wanted to be Xelfira so I began a disciplined regiment of training to become one.
I: Why did you want to become Xelfira?
Nox: I wanted to help people like me. The ones who might get thrown into the world with little like them. Not everyone gets to have the training and love of their sires, covens or packs. Sometimes it’s just a bad start to what could have been a good life.
I: Does this different from other Xelfira?
Nox: No, I don’t think so. Our job is to keep people safe from those who go bad. Sometimes they are redeemable, sometimes they aren’t. We all have to make those decisions. We don’t kill just to kill the bad elements. At least none of the Xelfira I’ve met do.
I: Do you know a lot of Xelfira?
Nox: Not really. There are a handful in the Thalorian Circle, but I didn’t know any of them personally. My mentor is a vampire, and I’ve meet some through him since being taken under his wing.
I: And how do you like that? Being under a vampire?
Nox: Ant’s a good man. He’s strong and dedicated. I’m not prejudiced for or against vampires. My only real pet peeve is mundanes who think they know all about the supernatural when they know next to jack-shit.
I: Do you know many mundanes?
Nox: No more so than supernatural creatures. I don’t have a lot of friends.
I: Why is that?
Nox: Do you want to hang around a kid who might blow you up at the drop of a hat?
I: I guess I see you point. Anything you’d like to add?
Rants on Societal Norms: His take on societal expectations, adventuring rules, or the behavior of his peers.
Cultural Integration: Art, literature, and entertainment might increasingly incorporate magical themes, influencing cultural expressions and societal values.
Diary Entries: Make diary-style posts revealing his internal conflicts, doubts, and personal growth.
This is the start of a new journal, so I’ll introduce myself. My name is Nox Sarvela which technically translates to Chaos In Shadow. But sarvela is also what I am — a child of the Velsayrn tradition. Which is of course totally misunderstood by the mundane.
Traditionally the Sussuri, the subspecies of human that I am, and the group upon which I am. Our traditions go back before man could think. The elves started the Sussuri, and we come from a long line of them. We are mostly human now, but way back in our line we were once elves. But that doesn’t really matter anymore. Elves and Sussuri are two separate subspecies now.
But tradition states thou shall not marry outside the coven. I mean it happens. Usually with another coven, sometimes with another supernatural like the elves or therian (aka the werewolves the mundanes would call them.) And rarely with humans.
So bloodlines in covens become overly mixed and the lines get crossed and the next thing you know you are marrying your second cousin twice removed and that can lead to all sorts of magical inequities as well as the genetic ones the closer you get to a blood relative.
So the covens decided that once a year a newborn child would be sacrificed to the Velsayrn tradition. Sacrifice is a strong term, they aren’t killed in a blood ritual — there are those, but this isn’t that. A family is chosen to produce a sarvela — a child to whom would go to another family in another coven, and you would receive their child.
Neither child is unloved. Neither child is unwanted. They were born with a special purpose in life — to advance the bloodlines of their coven.
Most sarvela live with the Velsayrn families. I don’t. Not because my Velsayrn family didn’t want me, they did, they just couldn’t handle the chaos magic I was born with. So I was taken in by the circle leader’s son, Lotar Elenkelara.
But the reason I bring it all up has more to do with how the mundanes perceived the whole idea of sarvela. That I was unwanted and my parents were all dicks and assholes for giving me up. Mundanes just don’t understand. It was an honor for them, and for me. Truly annoying when people have no idea what they are talking about.
I didn’t expect the things to happen today that did. It started out like any other. I went to class in The Scholar’s Hall with Master Moonfire. I was early, like always, and he sent me off with a note to the Headmaster’s office.
I wasn’t in trouble, I was just the first one there. I read the note along the way. I mean who wouldn’t do that?
Alex Silverstring cast prestidigitation with sparks all around me again. It took everything I had not to freak out. But I still ended up against the wall calming down. So embarrassing.
Nim still doesn’t like him. But he has the prettiest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. I wanted to kiss him all day.
That’s where my day went to scuzz. Headmaster Ironmantle asked me if I wanted to go on the mission I of course knew nothing about. And Alex, he stepped into the office all ready to go too. Which is nice, he wanted to go. But I don’t think he’s going to like it as much as he thinks he will. He’s going to miss the comforts of home once we leave [[Sentinel’s Rest]].
Which we will be doing this morning after he wakes up.
We shared a Zreshing bed! A bed that was barely big enough for the two of us. All night his back was pressed against mine. It was warm and I hardly slept.
I need coffee so I’m going to go find some. But he’s so cute lying there, drooling on his pillow. I still want to kiss him. And Nim still doesn’t like him, but I do, even if he keeps throwing glitter at me.
Alex’s Nightly Journal
So that happened today. What a Zreshing Scuzz show! The Academy locked down. I’m on a mission with a know it all. Even if he’s a lush know it all, I still gotta deal with him.
He doesn’t like to drink. He thinks I’m a whore or something. But he’s so lush.
I wanted to kiss him so bad, to feel him beneath me. By the Shattered Moons! I wanted to zresh him so bad. He was just lying there.
I started writing a song about our adventure. It’s pretty crappy right now.
Out from Shieldhaven, I set my course, Through desert sands, with mischief as my force, Pranks and whispers, secrets left unsaid, On my first adventure, where shadows tread.
It’s a start. It’s not perfect but it’ll do for now. I like the tune I’ve gotten down.
We’ve been flakey here for a while. After the Daily Prompt went caput we’ve been struggling to keep things going for ourselves. And we’ve not really had a story we’ve finished in a while so we haven’t had much to post.
AJ’s flighty between different stories and games. And we now realize that we do keep coming back to the same things over and over again, just with slight twists. Instead of writing as a game, though we will continue The Warlock and the Bard sessions. We think we will move that to whenever a session is done you’ll get an added entry to the blog with all that glorious stuff. That way we don’t feel bad for not posting every Friday.
We are going to attempt a good end of the year push and do things that AJ loves to do and return to the rambling of the original intent of this blog. So Every weekday AJ intends to write some random world lore stuff and tell a story as we do it.
Basically, AJ wrote a random prompt generator with the help of AI to generate the list of prompts. And everyday we are going to roll on this generator and I’m going to tell you all about it. This is going to be a new world, a new me, a new Alex. And we will start off with some basic world building predefined prompts to set all that stuff up so we have a framework to work off of.
We might work on weekend posts and try to finish the year out strong with 7 posts a week, but we are only aiming at 5 posts a week one everyday that AJ writes.
Not that many of you comment, but if there is a prompt be it an image or something you’ve come across that you’d like to hear me ramble on about you can send it on over to me at nox.durante@gmail.com or make a comment on any post and I’ll add it to our list of things to do.
We will start next Monday. AJ’s got a few things to set up and create before we can start this new project. We are excited!
Travel Points: 12 Location: [[L8]] Red Street District of [[Sentinel’s Rest]] (4 → 12) Weather: Clear
[!oracle] Q: The Boys have just left Shieldhaven Academy with a rucus going on inside. Is the town aware the Academy is having issues? (1d20: [3] = 3) No
Q: Is anything of note happening in Red Street district? (1d20: [3] = 3) No
Alex grumps as he dusts himself off. “I guess we aren’t getting that compass.”
“We don’t need it.” Nox says. “We can do this. Let’s find someone who knows what this image might be of?”
“Where do you suppose we start?” Alex asked.
All around them was bustling town smack dab in the middle of arid lands. If it weren’t for the Spring that the Silver Hand had found and controlled this would be a waste land.
“We could start in a Tavern, ask about it?” Nox said hopefully. “We could ask anyone really.”
Alex smirked. “You want to go into a Tavern. Aren’t you afraid of getting bullied by some big strong men?” Alex taunted.
Nox shrugged. “You can go back if you want.” He suggested and headed down the street towards where a crowd had formed.
[!oracle] Q: Is anything going that is drawing the attention of the crowd? (1d20: [12] = 12) Yes, but Pattern, Curiosity, Temperature
As they got closer Nox heard whispers of the temperature dropping. When he turned around to find Alex he was surprised the other boy hadn’t followed him.
[!nox] Nox’s Inner Thoughts Where did he go? By the Shattered Moon! Where is he?
[!encounter] Nox searches for Alex (Investigation) 1d20+2: [7]+2 = 9
Alex hides from nox (Stealth) 1d20+4: [19]+4 = 23
Nox returns to where he was ignoring what he had just heard. He stands where Alex had stood and looked around in a circle frantically.
[!nox] Nox’ thoughts Where is he?
In his head Nim speaks. Good riddance to the Goblinbrain. We don’t need him, Darkling. The scaly hands caressed Nox’s cheek as Nim sat invisibly on his shoulder.
[!oracle] District: 1d6: [6] = 6 → Green Boulevard Tavern District
Alex seems to have disappeared and Nox begins to wander [[Sentinel’s Rest]] searching for him. Though after a while he does give up and finds himself on Green Boulevard, a notoriously rowdy district full of taverns and drunkards.
[!oracle] Q: Does anything happen to Nox while he is in the tavern district?> (1d20+0: [17]+0 = 17) Yes
Q: Does it have anything to do with Alex? (1d20: [14] = 14) Yes
Q: Does Alex try to prank Nox? (1d20: [13] = 13) Yes
Q: Does he try to jump out at him? (1d20: [8] = 8) No, but Downward, Accomplice, Vibration Ai: Together, these words suggest that instead of jumping out, Alex is setting up something more elaborate, possibly from a hidden, lower position with the help of someone else. The vibration might be a clue that something is about to happen or is being set in motion, hinting at a more complex prank involving movement, sound, or an object that will catch Nox off guard.
[!encounter]
Nox’s Passive Perception 17
Adventure Status 4 (12)
A cheerful drunk wanders past Nox and in his wake is a trail of sparks much like the ones that had attacked him earlier. Nox jumps out of the way of the glittering illusions but begins to look around for the perpetrator. It could only be Alex.
Nox spies Alex hiding in the shadows behind a barrel outside of The Yellow Gnome tavern.
“I’ve been looking all over for you and you’ve been following me?” Nox growls as he stalks over to the shadows.
[!nox] Nox’s Inner Thoughts At least we found him.
Oh the joy! Nim echoed in his head.
Alex smirked and pulled Nox down into a crouch as others passed by the barrel. Their faces are close.
[!alex] Alex’s Thoughts I should kiss him.
[!nox] Nox’s Thoughts Zresh… he’s so close. Those eyes… His lips…
Nox looks down and pulls away to turn towards the street where Alex had just pulled him from. “Why are we hiding?”
Alex sighs. “I thought I heard someone saying something about Kael.”
[!encounter] Q: Alex tries to deceive Nox (Nox’s passive insight) (12) (1d20+3: [1]+3 = 4) Fail but Brother, Title, Daughter AI:Together, these words might indicate that the people in front of Nox and Alex are discussing Kael’s relationship with a brotherly figure and a potential title he held or was expected to gain. They might also be talking about a young woman, possibly a daughter of someone significant, who could be linked to Kael’s disappearance or the circumstances surrounding it. This conversation might provide clues about Kael’s connections, his possible fate, or those searching for him. An unknown (criminal) organization (The Midnight Veil) is looking for Kael Stormcrest, who is the brother to the Warden of the Northern Winds. The person who is looking for Kael is know as The Daughter of Shadows.
Nox is about to say something as he doesn’t believe Alex, but Alex holds his finger over his lips indicating Nox should be quiet. As they listen to the conversation two well armed men have just inside the alley where they hid behind a barrel.
“We can’t find the Warden of the Northern Winds’ brother anywhere.” The large burly man said.
The smaller man with a peg leg speaks with a foreign accent. “The Daughter of Shadows won’t like this. I’m not going to tell her. Let’s keep looking.”
The two men stumble off into The Yellow Gnome ‘looking’ for the missing beastkin.
Alex chuckles. “See I told you I heard something about Kael. And you didn’t believe me.”
“I heard something about the Warden of Northern Winds and the Daughter of shadows, but not about Kael.” Nox said.
Alex laughed as he stood up and took Nox by the hand. “You see.” He taps his head. “Kael’s brother is Warden of the Northern Winds. I remember him bragging about being all high and might up north. Pompous birdbrain as he was.”
“So who’s this Daughter of Shadows and why does she want Kael?” Nox asked.
“I don’t know. But I think we need to find Kael and find out.” Alex said. “You still got that drawing?”
Nox nodded and pulled the sketch from his pack. “Yeah.”
Alex took it from his hands. “I don’t think this is what it looks like.” Alex waved the paper in his hands before folding it in his pocket. Let’s find a room for the night. So we can do this in privacy and comfort.
Alex lead Nox to another tavern across the street. The sign read “The Clever Bastard”.
Inside was clean and warm. The boys hadn’t realized how cool the air was getting as the sun set.
A bard played on the platform off to the side. Neither boy paying much attention to the lyrics as they made their way to the counter at the back.
Alex stepped up with his coin purse in his hand and bright smile.
[!nox] Nox’s Thoughts I wish he’d smile at me like that.
“We’d like a room. And whatever the house plate and special are for the night brought up to the room?” He said plaining and over the music.
“That’ll be 2 silver.” The small redheaded woman said as she wiped her hands on her bar towel.
Alex handed over a gold piece. “And breakfast in the morning.”
The innkeeper smiled at Alex as if there was something special about the boy she was serving.
Her smile widened and she stared at Alex before remembering she had a job to do.
She reached under the counter and produced a key. “Top of the stairs third door on the right. There is only one bed.” She said offhandedly.
[!nox] Nox’s Thoughts One bed? What were they supposed to do with one bed… specially if Alex was bringing a friend to it…
Alex took the key with a wink and headed towards the stairs with Nox barely in tow. Alex looked back, “Well come on.”
Nox followed dutifully behind Alex and through the door to their now shared room.
Alex looked around and shoved the bed to the side and moved things around so he had a good 5 feet of space in the middle of the floor. He then tossed his bag on to the bed. “Maybe I can identify the spell Kael put on it. Why else would he leave it in plain sight for anyone to find?”
“That’s a good point.”
“We’ll wait till the food and drink arrive.” Alex said as he rummaged through his bag on the bed.
There was a Knock. Nox answered the door and the Innkeeper herself brought the food up. She looked at the displaced furniture and raised an eyebrow but said nothing as she set the plates and goblets on the table. “You boys need anything else?” She said wiping her fingers on her apron again.
[!encounter] Q: Nox’s insight into the innkeeper (12) (1d20+4: [10]+4 = 14) Success
Adventure Status 4 (12)
Nox notices that the innkeeper is a little nervous even as she flirts with Alex.
Alex looks up from his rummaging. “We are good. Thanks.” He waved her off and she looks disappointed.
“That was mean, ya know.” Nox said sitting down at the table with what looked to be rabbit and potatoes. He took a big whiff of the dark amber ale in the goblet and Nox frowned pushing the drink to the middle of the table. “I’m not drinking that.”
Alex looked at him with a grin. “It got what I wanted. And I didn’t want her. You really do think I’m a whore don’t you?”
Nox stammered. “I.. I don’t.”
Alex rolled his eyes as he sat down across from Nox and pulled a long swig from the goblet. “North Brew, it’s not too bad. Could have been Goblen’s Piss. That shit taste like the name, but boy does it have a kick.” Alex didn’t hesitate after his drink and tore into his rabbit with his fingers. Nearly throwing it across the table. “Zresh that’s hot.”
Nox chuckled but ate his meal with the provided fork and not his fingers.
[!oracle] Q: Is the drawing enchanted? (1d20: [3] = 3) No
Alex set up the preparations for the spell he was about to cast. Nox watched with curiosity as Alex set down on the floor in the middle of a large circle with a large brown feather from an owl in front of him, and on top of it a shiny, large pearl.
Alex began chanting. “Teralas dorun, ezrak venmor.”
For one minute Nox watch Alex draw power into him and hold the sketch in his hand.
The paper glowed and when the glow vanished Alex growled. “Nothing. Not a fucking thing.”
“So what is it then?” Nox gingerly took the paper from Alex and helped the other boy up.
Alex shrugged. “We could find a map, find some mountains. Maybe ask around.”
“Asking around might bring those men after us or the Daughter of Shadows. Or the Warden of the Northern Winds might think we are the ones out to get his brother. “
Alex sighed. “So just wander around until we find him? That doesn’t sound like a good plan. We could ask around about the drawing, if you think it’s related. We also have Kael’s journal.”
Nox held up the weathered journal he’d been holding.
[!oracle] Q: Is there anything to help the boys on their hunt for Kael Stormcrest in his journal? (1d20: [15] = 15) Yes
Q: Does it tell there where he went? (1d20: [2] = 2) No, and Communion, Indication, Warrant AI: Together, these words might indicate that Kael’s disappearance is linked to something much larger and more dangerous than Nox and Alex initially thought. The journal suggests that Kael was in communion with a significant power or group, hints at troubling signs that something was wrong, and implies that someone might have been after him, possibly with legal or nefarious intent. This complicates the mystery, suggesting that Kael was involved in something perilous, which led to his disappearance under circumstances that now seem far more threatening.
Q: Does it reveal what he was doing? (1d20: [18] = 18) Yes
Q: Does it have anything to do with the Daughter of Shadow? (1d20: [14] = 14) Yes
Q: Did Kael know who she worked for? (1d20: [10] = 10) Maybe Nobility, Area, Employment
[!encounter] Q: Nox investigates the journal (12) (1d20+2: [6]+2 = 8) Fail but History, Slice, Shape AI: Together, these words suggest that Nox uncovers a piece of historical information, possibly incomplete or fragmented, that involves a specific shape or symbol. This discovery might be a small but important part of a larger puzzle, hinting at something significant from the past that ties into Kael’s disappearance. It could be a clue related to an ancient artifact, a forgotten location, or a mysterious symbol that Nox needs to investigate further.
Nox sits down at the table and starts flipping through the book. He find a passage that looks like it might be part of an answer to a riddle or something.
Alex pulls the book away from him and sits down at the table with Nox and flips through the journal himself.
[!encounter] Q: Alex investigates the book (12) (1d20+1: [20]+1 = 21) Success and Man, Shame, Alarm
Alex flips almost directly the page he wanted. His eyes open wide and he frowns. “It looks like Kael was searching for an artifact. And his brother was interested in it.” Alex’s finger trailed along the words as he read. “It says here that The Daughter of Shadows was also looking for it for his brother.”
“So wait, The Daughter of Shadows was hired by the Warden to find the artifact and now she’s looking for Kael. Those guys didn’t sound like they wanted to help him.” Nox said.
“I don’t think so either.”
[!oracle] Q: Is there anything else of note in the journal for the boys to find? (1d20: [19] = 19) Yes, and Enlighten, Rescue, Boy
Alex flipped a few more pages and jabbed his finger into the page. “Oh, oh. It says right here he was planning a trip to [[Storms Watch]], a little mountain side village where he thought there was an entrance to some [[The Iron Spire]] where the [[Stormcaller Scepter]] lay. This is where we are going.”
“Any idea where it is?” Nox asked.
Alex shook his head. “Now but we can ask about the village in the morning. I’m going downstairs to get another drink. We can share the bed. I think we are both man enough to share a bed with nothing happening.”
Nox just nodded and Alex grabbed a book from his bag and his lute and headed down stairs.
[!oracle] Q: Are Nox and Alex friends? (1d20+0: [8]+0 = 8) No, but Student, Entertain, Rainbow
Q: Is Alex popular? (1d20+0: [15]+0 = 15) Yes
[[Alex]] and [[Nox]] are not friends. They barely know each other. Alex secretly harbors feelings for Nox, and uses teasing and pranks to cover up his feelings — and all the other kids enjoy the entertainment. Alex and Kael Stormcrest are roommates.
[!oracle] Q: Everyone is going about their day. Does anything happen this morning? (1d20+0: [8]+0 = 8) No, but Slide, Medium, Motive Nox (odd), Alex (even) 1d20: [1] = 1 AI: Perhaps someone noticed a subtle change in behavior (Slide), received a message or sign (Medium), and is trying to understand the reason behind it (Motive).
[[The Missing Apprentice#Master Elandor Moonfire|Master Elandor Moonfire]] is pacing back and forth when Nox shows up first for class. “Nox, deliver this message to the Headmaster.”
The tiny scrolled parchment is not sealed and Nox can’t help but read it as he’s walking down the main corridor of The Scholar’s Hall in The Shieldhaven Academy.
[[The Missing Apprentice#Kael Stormcrest|Kael Stormcrest]] has not been into The Tower in several days. I fear he may have gotten into something he doesn’t know how to get out of. Are there any students ready for a quest?
[!oracle] Q: Does anything happen to Nox on the way to the headmaster? (1d20+0: [12]+0 = 12) Yes, but Hidden, Glitter, Disease
As Nox walks down the hall a rush of air filled with tiny sparks that sparkle on his skin. Nox looks around but is stunned by the sudden appearance of the sparkling lights that linger like falling glitter until they dissipate. Nox’s heart is racing and he collapses against the wall trying to catch his breath.
[!encounter] Alex tries to sneak away 1d20+4: [15]+4 = 19
Nox’s Passive Perception 17
The perpetrator sneaks away without Nox knowing who pulled the prank. It could be any number of people and he’s just too busy to notice right now as he tries to calm down.
[!oracle] Q: Does Nox make it to the headmaster’s office? (1d20+0: [19]+0 = 19) Yes, and Rundown, Rites, Break
Nox makes it to the Headmaster’s office just as he finishes his morning ritual and is beginning his rundown of tasks.
Nox knocks on the door. “Excuse me, headmaster. Master Moonfire sent this for you.” Nox hands the rolled up parchment to the headmaster.
The headmaster takes the parchment gives Nox a wry grin and shakes his head. “You didn’t happen to read this did you?” he askes as he opens the parchment to read.
[!encounter] Headmaster’s Insight 11
Nox makes a Deception check 1d20+3: [19]+3 = 22
Nox shakes his head and stands tall. He knows he’s lying but the Headmaster just continues to shake his head as he reads the note.
“Since you are ahead of your classmates, maybe you’d like to take on this task?”
Nox stammers. “I… I…”
Alex who has been standing outside the door stumbles inside. “I want to do it, too!”
The headmaster smirks and nods his head. “Sounds lovely. See Master Moonfire to see what he has for you. Since neither of you read the note.”
The old man waved his hand dismissing them and they both hurry out into the corridor closing the door behind them.
Nox rushes back towards where he had come from, back to class and Master Moonfire.
[!encounter] Alex’s Perception check to decide if he saw Nox read the note 1d20+3: [7]+3 = 10
The Adventure Status of Sentinel’s Rest 12
Alex tries to trick Nox into admitting he read the note 1d20+5: [4]+5 = 9
Nox’s Passive Insight 12
When they are far enough away from the Headmaster’s Office, Alex chuckles. “You read the note. I saw it!”
Nox looks at Alex and rolls his eyes. “You did not. I read it before you were even close.”
“So what did it say then?” Alex grinned having gotten the information from Nox.
“Kael Stormcrest has gone missing.”
“He has.” Alex agreed. “He hasn’t been to the room in days.” Alex noted that he probably should have said something earlier, but it wasn’t uncommon for his roommate to sleep in the Tower. “I just figured he’d fallen asleep again working.”
“What was he working on?” Nox asked.
[!oracle] Q: Does Alex know what his roommate was working on? (1d20+0: [12]+0 = 12) Yes, but Fugitive, Change, Champion AI: Alex might realize that his knowledge is incomplete or that the situation is more complex than he initially thought, possibly involving a hidden agenda or a shift in allegiance.
Using the Clue generator for [[The Missing Apprentice]] generate a clue 3d6: [5, 3, 2] = 10 Clue: A crude drawing of Hermit
Alex shrugged. “Okay, I might not know exactly what he was working on but he was being squirrely. He kept talking about some mission and this old man somewhere outside town. He even had a crude drawing of the location he was supposed to find him.”
“After we go officially talk to Master Moonfire, we could head that direction.” Nox said.
Alex agreed with a nod of his head.
[!alex] Alex Internal This was a stupid idea. Everyone’s gonna know I like him after this. But I couldn’t not jump in when I had a chance. To be alone with him. Without everyone else looking at us.
Master Moonfire’s class had already started and the Nox took his seat in the back of the class. Alex sat next to him, as the seat was empty.
Nox whispers. “Don’t you have your own class?”
Alex smirked. “No.”
[!nox] Nox’s hands are sweaty and he’s bouncing his leg next to Alex. Not only is Alex making him uncomfortable, he can feel everyone’s eyes on him.
He feels the scaley hand of his invisible friend on his cheek. And a thought in his head taunting him Nox and Alex sitting in a tree. k-i-s-s-i-n-g. First comes love, then comes marriage, the comes a baby in a baby carriage
Nox groans and shushes to the voice in his head out loud. “Shut up.”
Alex looks at Nox and says, “What?”
Nox shakes his head. “Nothing, I wasn’t talking to you.”
Alex raises an eye brown but stays quiet. He starts tapping his fingers on the table. While Nox looks completely off his game.
[!oracle] Q: Does anything happen in class? (1d20+0: [1]+0 = 1) No, and Foliage, Itch, Ruler
The class ends, but before he dismisses the class Master Moonfire addresses the class as a whole. “Whoever put the [[Plants#Nettlewort|Nettlewort]] dust on my ruler, I will find you and you will be docked a grade.”
Alex smirked.
The class filed out and Nox and Alex remained behind until the class cleared.
Master Moonfire looked up at the boys. “I assume since Master Silverstring sat in my class for the first time all semester that Headmaster Ironmantle gave you to the job?”
Nox nodded his head and Alex stands up. “Yep. He’s my roommate. I should help look for him.”
Nox puts his and to his forehead as Alex admits they know about the note.
[!oracle] Q: Does Master Moonfire react to knowing they know about the missing apprentice? (1d20+0: [9]+0 = 9) No, but Indication, Toilet, Garbage AI: Together, these words could indicate that Master Moonfire’s lack of reaction is a deliberate attempt to divert attention from something hidden or discarded—perhaps a clue or piece of evidence related to the missing apprentice that has been literally or figuratively “flushed away” or thrown out.
[!encounter] Master Moonfire’s attempt to deceive Adventure Status 4 (12)
Alex Passive Insight 11
Nox Passive Insight 12
Master Moonfire eyes flick to the trash can and then back to the boys. He doesn’t seem to care about their knowledge. “That’s right.” He says studiously. “You are right. Excellent pairing.” Though he glances down again at the trash can.
[!nox] Nox’s Insight Nox notices the glance to the garbage can and wants to check it out when they leave.
[!oracle] Q: Is Kael Stormcrest researching something about the secret that the Shieldhaven Academy is protecting? (1d20+0: [18]+0 = 18) Yes
“Kael Stormcrest was researching an important topic for The Academy. And I fear something bad may have happened to him.”
“Does a Hermit sound familiar to you?” Alex asked.
[!oracle] Q: Does Master Moonfire know anything about the hermet? (1d20+0: [19]+0 = 19) Yes, and Rocky, Uninterested, Medium
Master Moonfire nods. “Yes he was talking about an old soothsayer out in the mountains. I told him that whatever the man had to say was not of importance. But he insisted he might know something. Sounds like a good place to start.”
Alex smirks and nods. “Do we get extra credit for this?”
Master Moonfire chuckles. “I imagine this can count towards your graduation quest, provided you return of course.” He sits down and readies for his next class.
Nox and Alex get up and Nox wanders over to the trash can near Master Moonfire’s desk and picks it up. “I’ll just throw this out for you.”
[!oracle] Q: Does Master Moonfire care Nox is throwing out the garbage? (1d20+0: [8]+0 = 8) No, but Track, Performance, Guidance
Master Moonfire nods his head and waves his hand. “Bring back the bin.” He says as he picks up his head to watch them as they leave the room.
Alex looks at Nox and askes, “Why are you dumping his trash we need to go to my room.”
[!alex] Alex Internal The thought of Nox in his room both excites and frightens Alex.
Nox grins. “I think he threw something away that might tell us more.”
[!oracle] Q: Does anything happen to the boys on their way to the Academy refuse pile? (1d20+0: [3]+0 = 3) No
As the boys walk to the refuse pile outside of The Scholar’s Hall Nox rummage through the bin.
[!encounter] Nox investigates 1d20+2: [16]+2 = 18
Adventure Status 4 (12)
[!oracle] Q: Nox finds something of note in the rummage pile. Is it about Kael’s disapperance? (1d20+0: [1]+0 = 1) No, and Bother, Metal, Stale air AI: Together, these words could indicate that Nox has found an old, metallic object that has been a source of ongoing concern or trouble for Master Moonfire. The object may have been stored away and discarded to avoid dealing with it, and its presence in the garbage hints at unresolved issues or secrets unrelated to Kael’s disappearance.
Q: Does this metal object have anything to do with the Shieldhaven Academy secret the institution is trying to protect? (1d20+0: [1]+0 = 1) No, and Diversion, Craft, Suggestion AI: Together, these words might indicate that the metal object is part of a craft or project designed to serve as a distraction or to suggest an alternative focus or task. It could be something Master Moonfire was working on or thinking about, unrelated to any secrets or the apprentice’s disappearance, but still indicative of a different matter of interest or concern.
Nox pulls out of the pin a metal object. It looks old and well worn. It could have been used to make something.
Alex snatches the object from Nox’s hand.
[!oracle] Q: Has Alex seen the metal object before? (1d20+0: [4]+0 = 4) No
Q: Is it magical? (1d20+0: [8]+0 = 8) No, but Warrant, Carry, Item AI: Together, these words suggest that the non-magical metal object might be a simple, portable item that has a specific, perhaps official, purpose. It could be related to something like a task or responsibility that Master Moonfire needs to address, or it might be part of a larger, non-magical collection or toolset, potentially tied to a warrant or authorization for some action.
[!encounter] Alex investigates the metal object 1d20+1: [15]+1 = 16
Adventure Status 4 (12)
Alex blurts out. “It’s broken.” He shows Nox the end of the object with jagged edges. “I wonder what it goes to.”
[!oracle] Q: Does anything happen when the boys return the bin to Master Moonfire? (1d20+0: [18]+0 = 18) Yes
Q: Is it related at all to their new quest? (1d20+0: [15]+0 = 15) Yes
Q: Does someone stop them? (1d20+0: [12]+0 = 12) Yes, but Negotiation, Wilderness, Medicine
Alex pocketed the metal object and stuck it in the inside pocket of his cloak as they headed back to return the bin.
“We could just leave it there.” Alex said.
“I said I’d return it.” Nox countered and Alex rolled his eyes.
[!alex] Alex Internal Thought Course, has to be a goodie-two-shoes.
[!npc] Tink Wobblecog – Gnome (student acolyte) — female with green hair [[tov-monster-vault-6-12-24.pdf#page=363&rect=53,324,296,665|acolyte stat block, p.363]]
As the boys were heading back to Master Moonfire’s class room a short green headed gnome stopped Alex giving Nox a strange look before speaking. “I heard you are going on a quest?”
Alex smiled. “I am. Ain’t I lucky.”
Tink looked over at Nox and then back to Alex. “With him? Sounds like a punishment.”
Alex shrugged. “I’m going on a quest an you aren’t.”
“That’s why I’m here.” She reached up and pulled Alex’s cloak down so he’d bend down and she could whisper. “I need a favor. Ya see… I have this… uh… condition and I read that there is a plant out in the wilderness somewhere that could uh, cure it. I can tell you what it looks like. Could you get me some? I’ll pay you.”
Alex stood up straight and asked. “How much?”
Tink frowned. “I don’t know how much do you want?”
[!oracle] Q: Does Tink have anything Alex wants? (1d20+0: [2]+0 = 2) No, and Foliage, Route, Orbit AI:Together, these words suggest that Alex might be asking Tink for detailed knowledge of a special plant (Foliage) along a specific path or location (Route), possibly in a place that is within Tink’s regular range or influence (Orbit). In exchange, Alex might be seeking something that only Tink can provide related to plants or a particular journey he needs to undertake. AI: Together, this could be a specialized tool or artifact that Tink uses to find and gather rare plants, guiding her along hidden or efficient routes, all while tracking environmental factors like the position of the sun or stars.
Alex smirks. “Last year you went out searching for a plant right?” Alex asked. “You were given an compass thing that does all sorts of fancy thing. I want that.”
Tink frowned. “But I don’t have it. It’s not mine. It was Professor Grimash Bloodfist.”
[!npc] Proffessor Grimash Bloodfist — male Orc botany professor
“Sounds like you need to go get it. You have oh about two hours. Or that uh problem will be all over the school.” Alex said.
[!encounter] Alex tries to intimidate Tink 1d20+5: [2]+5 = 7
Adventure Status 4 (12)
Tink laughs. “You wouldn’t dare.”
Nox chimes in. “I’d believe him. I’ve heard worse happens when you piss him off.”
Tink looks at him and just laughs hysterically. “Like I would listen to you — like ever.” She bowls over laughing.
Alex grabs Nox by the arm and heads down the hall. “Two hours and then we’ll be gone.”
[!oracle] Q: Is Master Moonfire in his office? (1d20+0: [7]+0 = 7) No
The boys dropped off the bin at Master Moonfire’s classroom. He’s no where to be seen.
Alex begins rummaging through the papers on his desk. “You keep lookout.”
[!encounter] Alex searches the desk 1d20+1: [3]+1 = 4
Adventure Status 4 (12)
Nox keeps lookout 1d20+2: [19]+2 = 21
Adventure Status 12
Q: Does Master Moonfire return while the Alex is searching the desk? (1d20+0: [17]+0 = 17) Yes
Alex find nothing of interest but Master Moonfire is coming down the hall and Nox quickly grabs Alex and they head out the door and go the opposite direction.
[!oracle] Q: Does anything happen on their way to Alex’s room? (1d20+0: [14]+0 = 14) Yes
Q: Is it related to their quest? (1d20+0: [3]+0 = 3) No
Q: Are they there for Alex? (1d20+0: [18]+0 = 18) Yes
Q: Do they want something from him? (1d20+0: [4]+0 = 4) No
Q: Is it a prank? (1d20+0: [8]+0 = 8) No, but Woman, Target, Uncharacteristic AI: Together, these words suggest that a woman, who normally wouldn’t approach Alex in this manner, interrupts them because she has been focused on him for some reason. This interruption might stem from concern, curiosity, or some other motivation that’s uncharacteristic of her usual behavior, but it’s not connected to their current quest or a prank. She might have something to convey or share indirectly, or she could be acting on behalf of someone else.
[!npc] Elyndra Starbreeze – female Elf bard
Nox followed Alex to his room. They decided to go there and look through Kael’s things to see if they could find out anything more about where he went or what he might be doing. It was fairly silent between the two of them, both boys catching glimpse of the other one watching them.
[!nox] Nox’s Inner Thoughts Why does he keep looking at me? By the Shattered Moon! He’s making me nervous.
[!alex] Alex’s Inner Thoughts Zresh! He’s lush.
As they got to Alex’s room, they notice an elven girl standing in front of his room door. Alex motions for Nox to stay back while he slides up to the girl and smiles.
“Hey El. What you doing here?” Alex whispers to her.
Elyndra blushes and she hides her mouth and cups it to Alex’s ear and speaks softly for his ears only. “I, uh, heard you were going on a mission.” She looked behind him at Nox who was presumably standing there and watching.
“Zresh, this got around fast.” Alex exclaimed as Elyndra tried to calm him down.
“Quiet. I was hoping that maybe we could uh. Ya know. Before you leave. Just in case you die, or worse you become too famous.”
Alex licked his lips and flicked a look back at Nox. “I. Yeah. I don’t think that’s going to happen. We are leaving in a couple hours.”
Elyndra looked back at Nox. “He won’t mind waiting. It could be our last chance.”
Alex chuckled. “We’ll have plenty of chances. I don’t plan on dying.” Alex said pressing a kiss to her forehead. “When I get back.” He promised and took her by the shoulders and sent her off down the hall.”
[!nox] Nox’s Inner Thoughts She’s so into him. Look at the way she’s touching herself. And her fingers touching him so gently. I don’t know why he’s saying no. We have time.
Nox watched the girl go and he approached Alex’s door with caution. He gave him a wry smile. “You could have, ya know. I can get lost.”
Alex looked taken aback. “I’m not some whore. I don’t sleep with every girl who asks.”
Nox stammers. “I didn’t mean it like that. Of course you aren’t. I just.. I just meant…”
Alex chuckles. “It’s alright. I was joking. Calm down the zresh down.” Alex opened his room door and lit the candles inside.
Alex’s shared room with Kael Stormcrest is the typical room in Shieldhaven Academy for the dorms. It’s only large enough to house the two boys beds, a desk and wardrobe each.
But there is a stark contrast between the two boys rooms.
[!oracle] Q: Does Kael come from money? (1d20: [16] = 16) Yes (1d10: [10] = 10)
Q: Does he collect anything? (1d20: [2] = 2) No, and Village, Illuminate, Revealing
Alex’s side of the room was a disaster. A lute lay on his unmade bed with scattered parchment lying everywhere or rolled into a tight ball tossed aside. His desk was just as much in disarray. While the other side was neatly kept and one sole thing hung on the wall — an illuminated painting revealing a haunted village.
[!nox] Nox’s thoughts I wonder if his wardrobe is this disheveled too. What’s he writing? I really want to clean up this mess.
[!encounter] Alex’s Passive Insight 11
Q: Nox’s deception to hide his deep desire to clean Alex’s room. (11) (1d20+3: [16]+3 = 19) Success and Twisted, Rambling, Structure
Nox in his attempt to hide his fidgeting starts looking through the visible aspects of Kael’s side of the room and noticed a drawing of a twisted, rambling structure and picks it up. “You know what this is?”
Alex looked at it with a smirk. “It’s a sketch.”
Nox rolled his eyes. “Of what?”
Alex shrugged. “Oh, I don’t know.” He grinned. “Kael’s sketchbook is somewhere on his desk.” He looked over at Nox who was searching. “We are going today, right? I should pack while I’m here.”
It was Nox’s turn to shrug. “Yeah I guess. I don’t know if there is any protocol for this type of thing.”
Nox searches through the books and drawers and finds the sketchbook tucked into a hidden spot inside another book. “I found the journal.”
“Great!” Alex said as he flung things into his backpack. “I think I’m ready.” he said hefting his backpack over his shoulders and holding his lute by the neck. His side of the room was decidedly more trashed than when he started. “I’ll clean that up later.”
“Or never.” Nox said with a playful grin.
Alex smiled back with a wink. “I won’t tell if you don’t. We should go to your room get your things. That way when Tink gets that compass we can go.”
“Alright. I guess,” Nox said not exactly sure he wanted Alex to see his room.
[!oracle] Q: Does anything happen on their way to Nox’s room? (1d20: [12] = 12) Yes, but Energy, Mouth, Lounge AI: Together, these words indicate that while Nox and Alex are on their way to pack, they might hear or feel a burst of energy—perhaps a magical disturbance or someone shouting—coming from or near a lounge area. This could lead them to investigate or be drawn into a situation unfolding in that space.
Nox took the lead and Alex followed behind him carrying his pack. Nox didn’t look back.
[!alex] Alex’s Thoughts Zresh is butt is lush. What I wouldn’t give…
[!nox] Nox’s Thoughts Why can’t he join me here? Why is he following me.
As the boys are going past the Common Room in the dormitory, A large explosion happens and shouting from the room and everyone inside fleeing in every direction.
Nox looks at Alex who is grabbing Nox by the arm and dragging him in the direction they were going. “We don’t have time to stop and gawk.”
Nox drags his feet. “We should help.”
Alex shook his head. “That will only get us in trouble. Come on. Show me your room.”
Nox complained. “But…” But he kept moving with Alex’s hand tighly holding his elbow.
[!nox] Nox’s Thoughts He’s touching me. I… don’t hate it. But why is he touching me?
They made it to Nox’s room with no other interruptions. Nox opened the door and Alex whistled. “A room all to yourself. You must be special.”
Nox shrugged. “No one likes to stay here. Nim gets me in trouble,” he said as he started gathering his things from his very tidy room. It was small and cramped filled with the same three pieces of furniture in a room that was no more the size of a closet.
Alex watched Nox put his things in his backpack. “Who’s Nim?”
Nim makes himself visible on Nox’s shoulder and shouts. “Me you, Goblinbrain.”
“Be nice, Nim.” Nox said.
“Why should I be nice to this Goblinbrain, he’s never nice to you. I aughtta…” Nim hopped up and flapped his red leathery wings and swooped at Alex barely missing him.
Nox scolded Nim. “His name is Alex and he’s been assigned to go on a mission with me. So be nice!” Nox said turning towards the flying reddish black imp trying to grab handfuls of Alex’s jet black hair.
[!encounter] Q: Alex ducks (12) (1d20+2: [15]+2 = 17) Success and Wilderness, Chill, Explosion AI Together, these words indicate that after Alex ducks, there might be a sudden, chilling burst of energy or force, as if something wild or untamed was unleashed, creating an explosive impact. This could be a magical burst, perhaps caused by Nim’s chaotic nature, that sends a wave of cold air or frost through the area, adding to the chaos.
Alex ducks out of the way of Nim’s reach and as he does a blast of icy air furls down the hall knocking Alex into Nox and they tumble to the bed in a heap.
[!nox] Nox’s Thoughts He’s so warm and his eyes are so blue…
[!alex] Alex’s Thoughts I could kiss him.
Shouts down the hall pulled people through the halls. A boy stopping to look in the room and cleared his throat. “Master Ironmantle wants you in his office now.”
Nox and Alex quickly right themselves and Nox finished packing his things quickly. A bit too quickly for his liking, but he is in a rush.
They have to fight the flow from the dorm halls towards Master Ironmantle’s office, but they get there in one piece.
The old man is pacing back and forth and he nods when he sees the boys. “Good, good. Before things get out of hand you two should leave.”
“Why, what’s going on?” Nox asked.
Alex shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. He said we should go.”
“Our young impatient Mr. Silverstring is correct. It doesn’t matter. But we will be locking down the Academy and you two need to go find Kael Stormcrest. He is not here, thus you must go before the gates lock.”
[!oracle] Q: Does Master Ironmantle have anything to offer the boys before they leave? (1d20: [3] = 3) No
Direction to Go: 1d6: [3] = 3
“Out now boys.” Master Ironmantle shoves them out the door. “Hurry now.”
[!encounter] Q: Group Effort: Alex: Make it to the gates before they shut. (12) (1d20+0: [3]+0 = 3) Fail but Mould, Courage, Ensnare
Q: Group Effort: Nox: Make it to the gates before they shut (12) (1d20+0: [15]+0 = 15) Success
The boys head to the nearest exit which is the South East gate. Alex trips and falls but Nox is there to help him up and they make it to the portcullis with just enough space for both of them to quickly roll underneath before it slams shut behind them.
AJ finished a story. We might post it here. We haven’t decided.
However, AJ wants to post the solo game we are doing leading up to writing a novel in 30 days in November. (If you know you know, but we make no comments on that subject.)
So we have new artwork AJ did this morning.
We are calling the new story The Warlock and the Bard. It’s using Tales of the Valiant mechanics by Kobold Press with AJ’s homebrewed solo engine you can actually find the automation bits AJ is using for the most at the same site I’m sure I’ve posted before but I’ll share again: https://generators.just-us.net/solo/dnd. There is the old Cypher System one, all the tables except the new ones, and a story mode that AJ uses for the Solo West Marches game where we aren’t really writing a story.
We will post probably once a week on Friday a session pdf that was played. The reason it’s one post a week is because it actually takes AJ a bit to play one full session. At least to where the story has a good stopping point so we aren’t leaving in the middle of the action as AJ often does to work on lore or art or even just to get into work mode.
So this Friday baring any unforeseen events we’ll post episode 0 of The Warlock and the Bard.
AJ finally finished a story. It’s not very long coming in at 20K ish but it’s a complete story — beginning middle end and all that jazz.
It’s a Cozy Modern Fantasy. So it’s magic and urban fantasy but more a slice of life type adventure. It was inspired by It’s Only Magic from Monte Cook Games. And uses the game mechanics behind the scenes and a bunch of random rolls to help move things along and me and Alex aren’t gods to the world.
It’s fun. We enjoyed it. We are wondering if you would. Let us know in the comments. We are thinking posting maybe once every other day since it’s so short. Maybe we’ll fill in the off days with something else.
AJ’s currently doing some world building. And the solo game bug still has a hold so not sure what will come next. Though the next slice of life story has a plot hook. So we’ll see how it all goes sooner or later.
The Mind of Nox 