The Mind of Nox

Example Session

AJ Hunter — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What flaw: Fear of the "Wide Open"
What: Gossamer Aegis
How: Make it

Phase Spider Silk
Fail Snail Anti-magic Shell

Do: Locate a Phase Spider
L5 (3) - Tunnel Rat, Reading the Signs, Creature Lore → L2
1d20 → 20 (Mastery)

I find a phase spider and its freshly killed and still harvestable.

Do: Harvest Phase Spider Silk Gland
L5 (3) - I Can Use That, Harvesting Anatomical Insight, Creature Lore → L2
1d20 → 20 (Mastery)

I harvested the Spider Silk Gland

Do: Locate a Fail Snail
L5 (3) - Tunnel Rat, Reading the Signs, Creature Lore → L2
1d20 → 15

I found a Fail Snail

Combat

Phase 1:
L5 (3) - Improvises, Creature Lore → L3
1d20 → 7 → Ease by 1 + Strain

Phase 2: Use Mimic Glue to make the Snail immovable
L5 (3) - Easy by 1, Improvise, Creature Lore → L2
1d20 → 13

The mimic glue stuck the snail to the ground

1d20 → 16 (mimic glue not depleted)

Phase 3:
L5 (3) - Easy by 1, Improvise, Creature Lore, Detect Weaknesses → L1
1d20 → 5 → Ease by 1

Phase 4:
L5 (3) - Easy by 1, medium armor 2, Can't Sit Still → L1
1d20 → 1 (Mastery) → Hinder by 2

Phase 5:
L5 (3) - Easy b 1, Hinder by 2, Reading the Signs, Obsessive → L4
1d20 → 12 Success + Strain

Do: Harvest Fail Snail Shell
L5 (3) - I Can Use That, Harvesting Anatomical Insight, Creature Lore → L1
1d20 → 9

I successfully retrieved the Fail Snail Shell

Do: Craft Gossamer Aegis
L10 (5) - Improvise, Litter Tech, Monsterwright, Tinkerer 3 → L4
1d20 → 13

I successfully made the Gossamer Aegis

Example Session

AJ Hunter — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Example embed for field notes — Markdown still works around it.

Closing thought: the case file continues below the fold.

Example Session

AJ Hunter — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

sceneThis scene is a [descriptor] [scene type] that [does something]

characterName is a [descriptor] [species] [type] who [specializes in]

npcName is a [descriptor] [species] [type] who [does something special]. They are motivated [a motivation] and have a goal [a goal]. In combat, they deal [damage type] damage with [attack of choice], but they [have a secret].

speciesThis species is a [aged] [descriptor] people who [cultural trait or motivation] and [physical/biological feature].

typeThis type is a [descriptor] [type] who [specializes in]

woundsThis wound is a [descriptor] [type of mark] located on [the body part] that [specific mechanical detriment].

creatureName ([disposition] [descriptor] [type]): This creature [motivation] and attacks with [attack of choice] for [damage type] damage. It features a unique ability to [do something special]. It [has a strength] and [has a weakness].

encounter[verb] [adjective] [noun]

factionName is a [descriptor] [organization type] that [core function or purpose] and [has a goal]. Despite their outward reputation, they [have a secret]

partyName is a [descriptor] [group type] who [does something collectively].

locationThis location is a [descriptive] [location type] that [distinctive feature or role in the world]

dungeonName is a [descriptive] [location type] that [distinctive feature or role in the world]

lairName is a [descriptive] [location type] that [distinctive feature or role in the world]

roomThis room is a [descriptive] [location type] that [distinctive feature or role in the world]

armorName is a [descriptor] [material] [armor type] that [does something special].

itemName is a [descriptor] [item type] that [does something special].

resourceName is a [rarity] [descriptor] [resourceType] that [special].

insightThis insight reveals information about a [Status] [Subject] regarding its [Modifier].

weaponName is a [descriptor] [material] [weapon type] that does [damage type] damage and [something special].

trapName is a [descriptor] [trap type] that [trigger condition] and [effect or consequence].

consumableName is a [descriptor] [consumable type] that [effect on consumption] and [any special property or twist].

spellName is a [descriptor] [base] spell that [does something].

quest[quest type] [quest objective]

The Case of the Dewey Decimal Deception

AJ Hunter — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Session 000

Session 000
Case Number: VET-001.000

[x] Create Character
- [x] Optional Level 10 Quest
[x] Starting Location
[x] Starting Quest
[x] The Setup

Create Character

Concept
Nox's Character Sheet

Starting Location

City Name: Steel -cross ← (1d20: [17] = 17, 1d20: [16] = 16)

Desolate Imposing Static ← (1d20: [12] = 12, 1d20: [18] = 18, 1d20: [14] = 14)

Starting Location: 2d10: [9, 8] = 17 → I8
Level: 1d4+2: [1]+2 = 3
Shift: Evening ← (1d6: [3] = 3)

Abandoned: Only the "Wrong Things" live here. ← (1d20: [4] = 4)
Ash-Fall: Grey snow that never melts. ← (1d20: [4] = 4)
Street Gangs: Territorial and loud. ← (1d20: [3] = 3)

Heavy Industry (Noisy) ← (1d8: [3] = 3)
Monstrosity ← (2d6: [6, 2] = 8)

Direct ← (1d20: [18] = 18)
Bay ← (1d20: [13] = 13)

1d4+2: [4]+2 = 6
2d4: [4, 4] = 8

Historical Landmark ← (2d6: [6, 5] = 11)
Lighthouse ← (1d20: [10] = 10)
1d7: [1] = 1

Starting Quest

questThe Mission: [Source] needs you to [Mission Type] [Mission Objective] because [Inciting Incident]. And the target is following a [MO] pattern.
Source: The Scholar
Mission Type: Identify
Missing Objective: A Mystery
Inciting Incident: The Aftermath
MO: Overkill

quest"The Scholar" needs you to Identify a Mystery because of "the Aftermath". And the target is following an [overkill] pattern.
Neighborhood: High-End Residential (Fortified) ← (1d8: [5] = 5)

creatureThe Cursed Fleshgrinder (Vicious Shifting Monstrosity): This creature [hungers for flesh] and attacks with [a crushing maneuver] for [physical damage. It features a unique ability [to mimic the appearance of inanimate objects to ambush unsuspecting prey]. It [wears natural armor] and must [consume shiny objects compulsively].
npcDr. Aris Thorne is a [Technological] [Average] [Academic] who [illuminates ancient texts]. They are motivated by [the pursuit of forgotten knowledge] and have a goal [to restore lost history]. In combat, they deal [Psychic] damage with [a book and quill], but they [conceal that they are from another dimension].
Level: 1d10: [10] = 10

Reward: Archive Access (1 Insight for next mission) + Captured Mimic to turn into Codex of Monsters
Consequences: Stared Back (It's hunting you now)

Countdown:
Location:
Plan:

The Setup

This is Chase Knight post-funeral. Nox has agreed to let the Drift be silent partners in The Black Ledger, putting it on their servers.
They have given him the loft above where the server farm is located in the Direct Bay neighborhood.
The Drift has assisted Nox with opening the doors to his 'monster hunting' front business Phoenix Investigations.
Nox has just moved into the loft and has been unpacking when he gets the first ping to meet a client at the Glass Siphon.

Sage Level: 1d10: [5] = 5
Shaman Level: 1d10: [4] = 4

The Location to Meet:

locationThe Glass Siphon is a [sleek] [espresso bar] that [features floor-to-ceiling soundproof glass and high-end air filtration].
2d10: [5, 3] = 8 → E3

Neighborhood: Commercial (Glass-Heavy) ← (1d8: [6] = 6)
Level: 1d4+2: [3]+2 = 5
Creature Type: Insect ← (2d6: [5, 6] = 11)

Name: Exchange Strip ← (1d20: [20] = 20, 1d20: [1] = 1)

Somber Reinforced Floral ← (1d20: [2] = 2, 1d20: [12] = 12, 1d20: [4] = 4)

3 -- 1d4 per side ← (1d6: [3] = 3)
2d4: [1, 1] = 2
T-section ← (1d4: [3] = 3)

The Jars

Q: Does Nox have any jars left over from his time hunting with Chase?
Oracle
DC 15 → 17 » Yes

Q: Does 1d6 jars sound reasonable?
Oracle
DC 15 → 11 » Yes, but
Confusion, NPC, Check

1d6: [6] = 6 Jars

The jars are unlabeled, Chase was not a record keeper and after Nox released the creatures into the jars they were whisked away and Nox only found them when he was cleaning out Chase's things.

Q: Are there any other things that Chase left behind. (Note: most of his gear was on him and is now part of the Echo so these are things left at camp or in the car)
Oracle
DC 15 → 14 » Yes, but
Invite, Dripping, Boisterous

In the trunk of the car they lived out of they each have a chest to store their gear. His sits idly by where as Chase's rattles and bumps and appears to be oozing a strange sticky substance.

Nox opens the trunk to find an escaped Sludge creature.

creatureBroken Gloop (Vicious Shifting Ooze/Slime): This creature [hungers for flesh] and attacks with [toxic] damage. It features a unique ability [to split into multiple smaller oozes]. It [has malleable skin] and [suffers from extreme temperatures].
Scene Level: 1d4+2: [1]+2 = 3

Q: Since Nox and Chase previously captured the creature, and Nox has previously held it inside of him before sending it into the jar, does he know the strength and weakness of the creature?
Oracle
DC 15 → 2 » No, but
Escape, Midnight, Cloying

Nox and Chase didn't learn the strength or weakness of the creature before capturing it. It's probably why it escaped. But Nox remembers the cloying smell it gave off prior. It's not helpful but should it escape Nox could track it by that scent alone.

Combat opening
DC 9 → 1 » Fail, and
Hindered by 2
Add Mastery

Nox is surprised by the creature. (No Mastery to tags we didn't use any)

Task: Releases Chase from the Vessel with An Echo's call frantically willing the Echo to defend him -- (Level 6)- eased by encoded spell, eased by trigger by 2, eased by 2 for blood magic (gain 1 lingering trauma)
Spellcasting
DC 3 → 18 » Success, and
Successfully cast the spell and it eases the next roll by 1

Task: The specter of Chase Knight joins the fray and defends Nox.
Combat maneuver
DC 12 → 14 » Success
Your actions succeed and the tags are applied universally

Combat strike
DC 0 → 11 » Success, and
Devastating blow.
Ease 2 steps

Combat counter
DC 0 → 12 » Success, and
Counter-parry creates a massive opening.
Ease 2 steps

Combat outcome
DC 0 → 19 » Success, and
Flawless dominance.
Unscathed

The Blood magic left a lingering trauma, but after a good nights rest it should be resolved.

With the creature once again subdued Nox siphon's the creature back into him.

Level 5 Siphon Creature eased by encoded spell, eased by 2 for blood magic, eased by 2 for trigger (gain 1 lingering trauma)
Spellcasting
DC 0 → 11 » Success, and
Successfully cast the spell and it eases the next roll by 1

Nox successfully contains the Broken Gloop.

Contained in the chest Chase kept all his gear -- a place Nox was never allowed to use Nox finds an envelope, upon opening it he finds an invite for Chase to meet with Lux Veritas.

The invitation contained a job -- the demon job which ultimately ended Chase's life.

Along with the invitation there are 6 jars, 5 of them still intact, one broken -- obviously.

Q: Are all the other jars intact?
Oracle
DC 15 → 7 » No, but
Weather, Floating, Gift

Q: Is only one other jar broke?
Oracle
DC 15 → 6 » No, but
Music, Infectious, Entertain

Q: Are two other jars broken?
Oracle
DC 15 → 18 » Yes

Two other jars are broken upon inspection, however there are no lingering entities. Just the sent of a fleeting storm, infection music and a gift neatly wrapped in paper and a bow.

Q: Do the other 3 jars contain creatures?
Oracle
DC 15 → 2 » No, but
Nobility, Accident, Silver

Q: Do any of them contain creatures?
Oracle
DC 15 → 2 » No, but
Explosion, Reflect, Road

Of course it was only the three that contained creatures that broke, the remaining three intact jars escaped the accident one contained ancient silver coins from a lost dynasty.

Nox realizes that glass jars are not the best for storing volatile creatures. He needs to search for a new method.

Timeline from Chase's Death to Settling in

Phase 1 → Morning (7 days)
- Cleaned out the truck of the car
  - Gained 2 lingering Traumas
  - Gained a Ward
  - Gained a neatly wrapped present
  - Gained an invitation to Lux Veritas in Chase's name
  - Gained a jar full of ancient silver coins → 3d6: [3, 3, 2] = 8
  - Retained 3 unbroken spelled containment jars
- Met Sage Morgan at the funeral
Phase 2 → Transition (3 days)
Phas3 3 → Settling in (10 days)
- Sold the car and bought a Bike and a bus pass
  - Wealth +1
- Moved into the loft (safe zone)
  - 2 Lingering Trauma's successfully cleared
- Filed paperwork for Phoenix Investigations

aiSummary• Nox establishes Phoenix Investigations in the industrial district of Steel-cross, operating out of a loft provided by The Drift.

• A mission from The Scholar tasks Nox with identifying a mystery involving an "overkill" pattern linked to "the Aftermath."

• While inspecting Chase's old belongings, Nox encounters and successfully subdues an escaped Broken Gloop creature using blood magic.

• Nox discovers an invitation for Chase to meet Lux Veritas—the job that caused his death—alongside several broken jars and ancient silver coins.

• The logs track Nox's transition from cleaning out Chase's truck to settling into his new home and business.

The Case of the Dewey Decimal Deception

AJ Hunter — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Session 001

Case Number: VET-001.001

Scene Carry Over Notes:

Starting Location: I8 - The Loft
Shift: 3 Evening 4pm - 8pm
Scene Tags: Noisy
Previous Scene Level: N/A
Notes
- Nox gets a text to meet his first client at the Glass Siphon in E3.

Scene:

Level: 1d4+2: [2]+2 = 4
TP: 10

I left my new loft and headed to the Exchange Strip to the Glass Siphon. According to Sage it was the best coffee shop in Steelcross. I could take the train, or a car, but I opted to take my bike. It would take a couple hours but it nothing compared to hiking in the woods for days.

Spend 5 TP to get from I8 to E3: I8 - H7 - G6 - F5 - E4 - E3

Q: Is the contact there already?
Oracle
DC 15 → 6 » No, but
Prehistoric, Dispute, Singing

aiEvaluationYour contact is nowhere to be found, but the cafe's peaceful atmosphere has been replaced by a loud, primal dispute. A group of patrons are engaged in an intense, rhythmic singing battle that feels strangely ancient and out of place in the modern shop.
Q: Do I recognize the singing?
Oracle
DC 15 → 3 » No, but
Candidate, Effect, Eye

aiEvaluationThe melody remains unrecognizable, but you cannot ignore the strange, shimmering effect rippling through the air. As one singer's gaze meets your eye, it becomes clear they are being presented as a candidate for something far more important than a simple song.

Q: Do I recognize the singer?
Oracle
DC 18 → 16 » Yes, but
Rundown, Glare, Man

aiEvaluationThe man's face is unmistakable, though he appears completely rundown and weathered by hardship. As you approach, he meets your gaze with a sudden, piercing glare.
Q: Do I know him through Chase?
Oracle
DC 12 → 11 » Yes, but
Spirit, Bell, Girl

aiEvaluationYou recognize him from stories Chase once shared about a young girl and the haunting toll of a bell. However, those memories are inextricably linked to a chilling, spiritual encounter that makes you wary of approaching him.

npcLiam Edgar Ives is a [motivated] [Mundane] [alchemist] who [communes with ghosts]. They are motivated [to serve redemption] and have a goal [to master oblivion]. In combat, they deal [chaos] damage with [mind control], but they [is fated to be a construct].
Level: 1d10: [9] = 9

Instead of finding my contact I found an old friend. He was part of the ritual going on. The magic was obvious, but the patrons were oblivious. They thought it was just some tribal folk song, but the words held magic. How wrong they were.

I didn't approach Liam Ives, he worked with ghosts, and the last time we met it didn't go well.

I sat down in a booth with my back to the far wall facing the door. I didn't want anything to sneak up on me — not here. Not with Ives watching me.

Q: Are there rumors about what happened to Chase concerning me?
Oracle
DC 12 → 14 » Yes

Q: Does anything happen before my contact arrives?
Oracle
DC 15 → 17 » Yes

Q: Does it have to do with Liam?
Oracle
DC 12 → 3 » No, but
Premonition, Item, Pleasant

aiEvaluationThe tension involving Liam is momentarily broken by something entirely unrelated. You stumble upon a small, pleasant item that triggers a fleeting and strangely comforting premonition.

As I slide into the booth I knocked over the salt shaker. Tiny grains of sand spill on to the table. A pattern forms on the table, a reminder I'm not alone.

I quickly sweep up the 9-tailed fox etched on the table in salt before anyone else sees.

I whisper to my self. "I know you got me."

It was pretty obvious when my contact walked in. He was looking around nervously, stared at the singing group in the middle and when I waved him over and he pushed his glasses up with a single finger.

I stood up, offered my hand.

Q: Does Dr. Aris Thorne accept my handshake?
Oracle
DC 15 → 12 » Yes, but
Seat, Shame, Weather

aiEvaluationDr. Thorne accepts your handshake, but as he settles back into his seat, an unmistakable air of shame follows him. The sudden gloom of the encroaching storm outside only deepens the heavy, somber mood between you.
Scene Tag: Looming Storm

With a smile I said, "I'm Nox Knight with Phoenix Investigations." I handed him my freshly printed cards. "Why don't you tell me what I can do to help."

NPC interactions: hindered by unsettling presence, trust issues, eased by detect weaknesses

Level 10 Dr. Aris Thorne → [indifferent] (+0)
Drift: No change ← (2d6: [4, 2] = 6)

Pathway: Can you Help me?

Npc interactions
DC 30 → 15 » Fail, but
Damage Control: You are on the defensive, but you spot a weakness or a hidden detail—gain an Insight.

It appears that neither Dr. Thorne or myself want to be here right now. The whole thing doesn't go well. But I have my first mission on my own. Something or someone is destroying the library, and it's my job to figure out what it is.

Dr. Thorne gives me the exact address of the library and I agree that a favor is a good payment. It is my first client after all.

insightThis insight reveals information about a [Known] [Quest] regarding its [Plan].
+1 Plan to this Mission

2d10: [6, 6] = 12 → F6
Solis Heights ← (1d20: [3] = 3, 1d20: [6] = 6)
Level: 1d6+2: [1]+2 = 3
Creature: Celestial ← (2d6: [1, 3] = 4)
Descriptors: Electric Vast Bitter ← (1d20: [1] = 1, 1d20: [9] = 9, 1d20: [6] = 6)
Reputation: Martial: Constant security patrols. ← (1d20: [3] = 3)
Filter: High Humidity: Thick, clinging dampness. ← (1d20: [9] = 9)
Power: The Syndicate: Organized and ruthless. ← (1d20: [2] = 2)

Q: Does Dr. Thorne have anything else to say?
Oracle
DC 15 → 20 » Yes, and
Witness, March, Communion

aiEvaluationDr. Thorne provides more than just the location; he shares a chilling detail he witnessed firsthand at the library. As he speaks, his words move with a rhythmic, haunting cadence that feels less like a briefing and more like a dark communion of shared secrets.

Maybe he just needed a little bit more time to get used to me. I did give off that unsettling presence, the flickering flames below my skin, and the pulsing silver glow beneath my jacket.

It wasn't much to go on, but it was enough for now.

We parted ways.

Q: Does Liam have anything to interject?
Oracle
DC 15 → 8 » No, but
Costume, Fresh, Obstinate

aiEvaluationLiam remains silent and avoids any direct interruption, but the striking, fresh colors of his ritual costume are impossible to ignore. He sits with an obstinate, unyielding posture, acting as a stubborn, colorful fixture in the background of your departure.

Liam's outward display made me wonder what he knew. But he wasn't my type.

Spend 5 TP to go home.

Shift 4 & 5: 8 Downtime points

Spend 2 hours Researching the Gilded Archive, hacking into their security feeds → +2 to Plan

Spend 1 hour eating dinner — Tag added: Well Fed

Spend 1 hour meditation — Tag added: Zen

Spend 4 hours Sleeping — Tag added: Refreshed

aiSummary* Nox travels to the Glass Siphon and encounters a ritualistic singing battle involving his old acquaintance, Liam Edgar Ives.

* Avoiding direct contact with the unsettling Liam, Nox observes a salt pattern on a table that triggers a brief, comforting premonition.

* Dr. Aris Thorne arrives for a meeting and commissions Nox to investigate the destruction occurring at the library.

* Thorne shares a chilling eyewitness detail regarding what he witnessed at the library before parting ways with Nox.

* Nox conducts downtime activities, including researching the Gilded Archive's security feeds, eating, meditating, and sleeping.

New Website

AJ Hunter — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

So AJ decided we wanted more control over what we have to offer you. And more control over the design and less reliant on WordPress.

It's a big move. It's a slow move. but we started it on the 8th of April, and we are finnaly here.

The old page still exists over at themindofnox.wordpress.com and we will leave it there and start fresh here. If you were a subscriber before I've gathered your emails and added you to a founder list and you can have have a founder's badge in the discord community as well as here. If you are interested.

We won't have comments here, so if you wanna talk that's where to do it.