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.

The Case of the Dewey Decimal Deception

AJ Hunter — Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Session 002

Case Number: VET-001.002

Scene Carry Over Notes:

Starting Location: I8 - The Loft
Shift: 6 (4am - 8am)
Scene Tags: Noisy
- Character Tags: Refreshed, Zen, Well Fed
Previous Scene Level: 4

Scene:

Level: 5 Challenging ← (1d4+2: [3]+2 = 5)
TP: 10
Weather: Sudden cold snap ← (1d10: [10] = 10)
Season: 20th Day of Spring
Day of the Week: Friday
Phase of the Moon: Last Quarter (day 2)

Shifts on the 20th:

Need to Travel from I8 → F6: I8 - H8 - G7 - F6 → 3 TP

Directly to the The Gilded Archive before opening hours

noteWe didn't roll a Season in Session Zero, a day of the week, or phase of the moon so gonna do it now. Season: Spring ← (1d6: [1] = 1) → 1d91: [19] = 19: Day 19 Day of the Week Starting the Story: 1d7: [5] = 5 → Thursday (in session 1) Phase of the Moon: Last Quarter ← (1d8: [7] = 7)
Q: Is my routine interrupted this morning?
Oracle
DC 18 → 20 » Yes

Q: Am I out of coffee?
Oracle
DC 15 → 19 » Yes

My morning didn't start so great. I don't know what it was. Or what I was thinking when I dropped the bag of finely ground beans on the cement floor of my loft's kitchen. But I did. There goes that Zen feeling of having a perfect nights sleep.

Remove [Zen], [Ritualistic Hyper Focus] Flaw hinders all actions today

Q: Is there a coffee shop on my block?
Oracle
DC 15 → 4 » No, but
Important, Lake, Pleasant

aiEvaluationThere is no coffee shop on your block to salvage your morning, but a pleasant walk toward the lake reveals an important discovery near the water's edge. The sight of the shimmering lake offers a momentary, peaceful distraction from your caffeine-deprived frustration.

I knew that there wasn't one on my block, so I had to use find nearest coffee shop on my GPS.

Task: Locate nearest coffee shop.

hindered by ritualistic hyper focus
eased by Using GPS app

Task
DC 15 → 14 » Success, but
Heart, Hide, Monopoly

aiEvaluationThe GPS successfully guided you to a nearby cafe, but the victory feels hollow. You have arrived at a shop owned by a massive corporate monopoly, a place that lacks any local heart and offers nothing but a sterile atmosphere where you cannot hide from the growing morning crowd.
How far away is the coffee shop on Lake street?
Standard ← (1d6: [4] = 4) 4 Blocks -

GPS: l-2 - east, 3-4 - west → 1d4: [4] = 4 → west
GPS: 1 - north, 2 - west, 3 - south, 4 - roll again → 1d4: [3] = 3 → south

1:
3 -- 1d4 per side ← (1d6: [3] = 3) → 2d4: [1, 4] = 5
T-section ← (1d4: [3] = 3)
Places of note: 1d4: [3] = 3

None ← (2d6: [6, 3] = 9)
Public Transportation ← (2d6: [6, 1] = 7) → Bus
P2: Historical Landmark ← (2d6: [2, 1] = 3) → Historical Cemetery ← (1d20: [13] = 13)

Easy ← (1d6: [1] = 1): Event Level 2 (I8 is Level 3 location)
1d4 Insights ← (3d6: [4, 3, 5] = 12) → 1d4: [1] = 1

This insight reveals information about a [Known] [Quest] regarding its [Plan].

As I was walking my plan of action was coming together. At least the walk was doing me some good.

2:
~~GPS: l-2 - east, 3-4 - west → 1d4: [2] = 2 → east~~ Doesn't make sense for GPS to turn east so west it is

0 -- Dead End ← (1d6: [1] = 1) GPS is taking us someplace can't be true

6 -- 1d4 per side ← (1d6: [6] = 6) → 2d4: [4, 4] = 8
T-section ← (1d4: [3] = 3)

Places of note: 1d4: [2] = 2

Public Transportation ← (2d6: [2, 5] = 7)
Functional/Utility ← (2d6: [1, 5] = 6) → P3: Laundromat ← (1d20: [8] = 8)

Normal ← (1d6: [4] = 4) → Level 3
Neighborhood Event ← (3d6: [2, 6, 5] = 13) → Emergency Response ← (1d6: [3] = 3) → Power Line Down: Sparking wires and utility trucks. ← (1d6: [3] = 3)

Q: Is anyone in danger?
Oracle
DC 15 → 8 » No, but
King, Rescue, Wealth

aiEvaluationWhile the sparking power lines haven't caused any physical injuries, the sudden blackout has interrupted a high-stakes transfer of wealth involving a local crime king. His associates are now frantically attempting to rescue the shipment from the darkness before the utility crews arrive.

I was new here but even I knew when to stay away from a certain crowd. I tucked my hands into my pockets and kept my head down as I skirted around the commotion.

Task: Stay clear of the dangerous thugs.

hindered by Ritualistic Hyper Focus
eased by perceives patters x2
Task
DC 6 → 8 » Success

3:
GPS: 1-2: west, 3-4: south → 1d4: [3] = 3 → south

6 -- 1d4 per side ← (1d6: [6] = 6) → 2d4: [2, 1] = 3
Corner ← (1d4: [4] = 4)

points of interest: 1d4: [1] = 1

Public Transportation ← (2d6: [4, 3] = 7)

Easy ← (1d6: [1] = 1) Level 2
1d4 Insights ← (3d6: [3, 2, 4] = 9) → 1d4: [2] = 2

This insight reveals information about a [Known] [Faction] regarding its [Secret]. → Lux Veritas ← (1d6: [1] = 1)
This insight reveals information about a [Known] [Faction] regarding its [Secret]. → The Drift ← (1d6: [3] = 3)

There were lots of clues all around. All you had to do was look. It wasn't hard to figure out things, but sometimes you didn't know exactly what you were looking at.

4:
3 -- 1d4 per side ← (1d6: [3] = 3) → 2d4: [4, 4] = 8 → moving to 4 so it hits the edge of the map and can contain all the buildings
Crossroad ← (1d4: [2] = 2)

Easy ← (1d6: [2] = 2) Level 2
Points of Interest: 1d4: [1] = 1

P4: Historical Landmark ← (2d6: [6, 5] = 11) → The Old Market ← (1d20: [14] = 14)
CS: The Coffee Shop — Glimmer's Grindhouse

Q: Is the Coffee shop in the Old Market?
Oracle
DC 12 → 3 » No, but
Chase, Proof, Mother

aiEvaluationThe coffee shop is nowhere to be found within the Old Market, but the sudden chaos of a foot chase through the stalls has left behind incriminating proof of a struggle. Amidst the scattered market goods, you stumble upon an item that points directly toward a scandal involving a prominent local mother.

The Old Market was something Chase would like. He was kinda old school. But the coffee shop was across the street, I'd have to explore it later.

locationGlimmer's Grindhouse is an [underground] [cafe] that [shifts its appearance based on the time of day].
npcGlimmer Porter is a [caring] [Mundane] [creative] who [devises inscriptions]. They are motivated [to hate redemption] and have a goal [to corrupt immortality]. In combat, they deal [physical] damage with [time manipulation], but they [is secretly a traitor].
Mundane ← (1d6: [2] = 2)

~~Q: Is the quality of the coffee good?~~
~~Oracle~~
~~DC 15 → 2 » No, but~~
~~Precious, Shoe, Incongruous~~

Going to say yes the coffee is good. I'd like Nox to keep coming here Glimmer and the Grindhouse sounds cool!

Q: Does the grind house change once per shift
Yes/No
Roll: 1 (1d6) » No

Q: Every other shift?
Yes/No
Roll: 6 (1d6) » Yes

Shifts 3 times.

Glitchy and overlapping. Unsettling and physically taxing. The air feels "thick" or "stuttering."
Dreamlike, dark, and fluid. Quiet, introspective, and slightly melanchating.
Heavy, functional, and utilitarian. High-energy, noisy, and strictly scheduled.

The coffee smelled divine. Though the hole in the ground didn't give off the friendliest vibes, but things seemed to click along like clockwork which was nice.

The woman behind the counter with her silver Pompadour was wearing wire rim glasses that looked like the same industrial pipes that ran the length of the ceiling. Her clothes didn't match the aesthetic but it was clearly her place — she was Glimmer.

Q: Are there any other interesting things going on inside the coffee shop?
Oracle
DC 15 → 14 » Yes, but
Nothing, Vacant, Proof

aiEvaluationA corner booth sits strangely vacant, as if no one has sat there for hours. While nothing else seems to be happening in the quiet shop, you spot a discarded receipt tucked under a saucer—physical proof that someone was here much more recently than they should have been.

I ordered a large black coffee to go. The shope was mostly empty, no patron's appeared, just the residual evidence that someone had been before me. Glimmer gave me a bright smile and said "You're new around here."

"I am. I'm sure I'll be by now that I know you're here."

She grinned at me. "I'm sure you will." She said it like she knew something more than I did. And maybe she did, there was a certain air about her, and she didn't seem to mind my strange vibes either.

Travel 3 on bike to F6 → The Gilded Archive

aiSummary* Nox experiences a disrupted morning routine after dropping his coffee beans, resulting in the loss of his Zen and ritualistic hyper-focus.

* While traveling through the city, he navigates past a dangerous scene involving downed power lines and a criminal wealth transfer without getting caught in the commotion.

* He gathers critical insights regarding the plans of a known quest and uncovers secrets belonging to both Lux Veritas and The Drift.

* Nox reaches Glimmer's Grindhouse, an underground cafe, where he meets the proprietor, Glimmer Porter.

* He discovers evidence of recent activity in a vacant booth while interacting with Glimmer, who notes his status as a newcomer to the area.

The Case of the Dewey Decimal Deception

AJ Hunter — Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Session 3

Case Number: VET-001.003

Scene Carry Over Notes:

Starting Location: F6 → The Gilded Archive
Shift: 6 (4am - 8am)
Scene Tags: Fortified
- Character Tags: Refreshed, Well Fed
Previous Scene Level: 5

Scene:

Level: 7 Formidable ← (1d6+2: [5]+2 = 7)
TP: 3
Weather: Sudden cold snap
Season: 20th Day of Spring
Day of the Week: Friday
Phase of the Moon: Last Quarter (day 2)

Shifts on the 20th:

Mission Clocks

Plan:
Location:

The Gilded Archive

Level 3 Demanding ← (1d8+2: [1]+2 = 3)

I arrived at the Gilded Archive at 6:30 on the dot. The library would open at 8am. I wouldn't find what I was looking for but that was an hour and a half of me seeing things as they were.

Entrance

Tall Ladders ← (1d6: [2] = 2)

Q: Is Dr. Thorne here?
Oracle
DC 15 → 11 » Yes, but
Effect, Sister, Love

aiEvaluationDr. Thorne is indeed present within the archives, though his presence is complicated by an unexpected emotional entanglement involving a sister and a deep-seated sense of love. This sudden revelation exerts a disruptive effect on the investigation, casting a shadow over the search for truth.
Q: Is this his sister?
Oracle
DC 15 → 2 » No, but
Language, Scary, Illuminate

aiEvaluationNox realizes the woman is not Dr. Thorne's sister, but her presence is profoundly unsettling. She mutters in a cryptic, unrecognizable language that feels predatory, even as a sudden, eerie light illuminates the shadows around her to reveal something far more frightening.
Q: Is she a sister of some religious organization?
Oracle
DC 12 → 7 » Yes, but
Sceptre, Child, Operation

aiEvaluationNox realizes the woman does indeed belong to a religious order, yet her presence is clearly part of a much more calculated and unsettling operation. The sight of a ceremonial scepter and the involvement of a young child suggest that this sect's true purpose is far more ritualistic—and dangerous—than mere worship.

Once inside the Gilded Archive I found Dr. Thorne talking emphatically with a woman. The sceptre she bore pulled at me. Something inside reacted to the sight. It was a strange feeling.

I didn't interrupted the conversation instead focused on what I could see of the interior of the library.

noteThe woman is part of the Shattered Axis

Task: Investigate the patterns and entrance

Hindered by Ritualistic Hyper Focus
Eased by Perceives patterns & forensic education x2
Task
DC 3 → 4 » Success

Q: Are there any indications of where the problem is?
Oracle
DC 12 → 4 » No, but
Rope, Boy, Decayed

aiEvaluationNox finds no direct evidence pointing toward the source of the disturbance, yet his eyes are drawn to a more unsettling discovery. A length of decaying rope lies discarded near a small, forgotten boy's toy, a grim remnant that offers no answers but leaves him deeply unsettled.

The entrance gave me no clues as to where I needed to search first. So I waited until the woman left. The whole place set me off kilter. It was giving off a weird vibe.

Tag Scene: Strange Vibe

Q: Does Dr. Thorne give me a direction to start when we speak?
Oracle
DC 12 → 8 » Yes, but
Sleep, Bones, Silver

aiEvaluationDr. Thorne provides a direction to begin the search, yet his instructions are accompanied by unsettling whispers regarding silver and ancient bones. This cryptic guidance leaves me feeling profoundly restless, as if the weight of this mystery is already destined to rob me of my sleep.
1d4: [1] = 1 → west

Dr. Thorne tells me the east archway is where I can start my investigation. He says no one is missing but there are bones so ancient left in a silver goo that he doesn't know what to make of it.

Room 1

Size: 2d6: [4, 4] = 8 + 2d6: [2, 4] = 6 6,8
Exits: 1d4-1: [2]-1 = 1
Difficulty: Easy ← (1d6: [2] = 2)
Tag: Nothing ← (1d6: [1] = 1)
Event: 1d4 Insights ← (3d6: [1, 2, 6] = 9) → 1d4: [2] = 2
Content: Trap ← (3d6: [4, 4, 4] = 12)
Doors:

Regular locked door ← (1d6: [2] = 2)
Secrets
DC 15 → 1 » Fail, and
You find find and trigger a trap.
Insights
DC 15 → 17 » Success
Found a Clear Lead. Roll for Subject/Modifier. Mark 2 tallies.

Insights:

This insight reveals information about a [Known] [NPC] regarding its [Secret]. → Harrison Campbell ← (1d6: [2] = 2)
This insight reveals information about a [Known] [Character Arc] regarding its [Goal]. → Body for Alex ← (1d6: [6] = 6)

Trap:

This trap is a [obvious] [mimic trap] that [when crossed or passed through] and [restrains the victim].
This trap is a [mechanical] [explosive charge] that [when a weight is removed] and [creates an illusion of danger].

The first room was pretty ordinary. There wasn't a whole lot to notice — besides the numbers book shelves. I was drawn to a couple of books. I noted their titles and kept going. They would be helpful later, but for now they weren't going to help me with my current mission.

Q: Do I notice the obvious mimic trap?
Oracle
DC 18 → 3 » No, but
Question, King, Uninterested

aiEvaluationNox fails to detect the obvious mimic trap, his focus instead diverted by a lingering question regarding some sort of kingly figure. This preoccupation leaves him entirely uninterested in the immediate physical dangers of the room as he continues his investigation.

A painting catches my attention. Did it move? As I stepped around an object in the path, I found myself restrained — stuck in the grasp of something sticky.

Create a Unsticking spell.

void, space, counter, localized (9) PM 0 → Level 3 (MAI 7)
encoded (eased 1), triggered (2)

Task Trigger the spell
Spellcasting
DC 3 → 13 » Success, and
Successfully cast the spell and it eases the next roll by 1

Regular Ink depletion: 1d20: [15] = 15

Task Escape the sticky restraints

Eased by successful cast + 1 for success and
Hindered by Ritualistic Hyper Focus
Task
DC 6 → 12 » Success, and
Mother, Natural, Native

aiEvaluationNox successfully wrenches himself from the mimic's adhesive grip, his unsticking spell working with seamless precision. This escape triggers a sudden, grounding sensation of being part of the archive’s natural, maternal pulse, as if the library itself is welcoming him as a native presence.

The archive feels alive now, like it's in sync with the magic I had learned. Or maybe something else is calling to me.

Alex gives me a wary feeling. Don't trust it!

I'm not prone to ignoring Alex's warnings.

As I look around I triggered another trap, but this one was seemingly harmless except for the loud explosion and the false fire illusions. My heart was racing.

Character Tag: Wary

But in all the traps I noticed signs of things I didn't do. Things that shouldn't be in a library.

Insight: 2 tallies in location

There is only one room to the north, and it's locked. It's a good thing I can unlock it with magic.

Create a Lockpick spell.

order, space, control, localized (7) PM 0 → Level 2 (MAI 7)
encoded (eased 1), triggered (2)
hindered by ritualistic hyper focus
Spellcasting
DC 3 → 16 » Success, and
Successfully cast the spell and it eases the next roll by 1

Regular Ink depletion: 1d20: [10] = 10

Task: Pick the lock

Hindered by ritualistic hyper focus, burned palms
eased by spell x2, detect weaknesses
Task: Lock pick
Task
DC 6 → 6 » Success

Picking locks was not my favorite thing to do but the spell helped, but my hands were sore after the fine movement.

Room 2

Size: 2d6: [3, 2] = 5
Exits: 1d4-1: [2]-1 = 1
Difficulty: Normal ← (1d6: [3] = 3)
Tag: Nothing ← (1d6: [1] = 1)
Event: 1d4 Insights ← (3d6: [4, 4, 1] = 9) → 1d4: [1] = 1
Content: Trap ← (3d6: [3, 3, 6] = 12)
Doors:

Regular locked door ← (1d6: [2] = 2)
Secrets
DC 15 → 1 » Fail, and
You find find and trigger a trap.
Insights
DC 15 → 8 » Fail, but
No mechanical insight. But you gain a narrative detail (flavor/mood).

Insight:

This insight reveals information about a [Known] [Character Arc] regarding its [Location]. → Body for Alex ← (1d6: [6] = 6)

Trap:

This trap is a [modern] [explosive charge] that [when an item is picked up] and [causes the area to collapse].
This trap is a [enchanted] [collapsing zone] that [when an item is picked up] and [summons hostile creatures].

Task: Looking for traps

Hindered by Ritualistic Hyper Focus
eased by wary, perceives patters x2
Task
DC 6 → 5 » Success, but
Enshrine, Boy, Fresh

aiEvaluationNox successfully scans the room for hidden triggers, but his meticulous search is interrupted by a jarring discovery. He finds a freshly prepared shrine dedicated to a young boy, its ritualistic offerings looking far too recent to be part of the archive's ancient history.

Something about this library is giving me really bad vibes. The decor seems normal, but so much of it seems familiar and I'm not sure I like it.

noteBecause of the number of children's things, I'm thinking this whole library might be part of the Shattered Axis network researching other Vas children.
Q: Can I get around the trap without disarming it?
Oracle
DC 15 → 1 » No, and
Teacher, Disease, Treacherous

aiEvaluationNox’s attempt to circumvent the explosives fails completely, triggering a treacherous chain reaction that he cannot escape. The sudden collapse feels less like an accident and more like a calculated lesson from a malevolent teacher, spreading a sense of decay through the room like a virulent disease.

It looks like the trap would trigger no matter what I tried so Is had to disarm it.

Create a Disarm spell.

order, space, counter, localized (7) PM 0 → Level 2 (MAI 7)
encoded (eased 1), triggered (2)
hindered by ritualistic hyper focus
Spellcasting
DC 0 → 12 » Success, and
Successfully cast the spell and it eases the next roll by 1

Task: Disarm trap

hindered by ritualistic hyper focus
eased by detect weakness, 2 spell and perceive patterns
Task
DC 0 → 9 » Success, and
Fluttering, King, Decrepit

aiEvaluationNox successfully neutralizes the explosive charge, his spell working to stabilize the volatile mechanism. As the tension eases, he notices a fluttering, decrepit scrap of parchment caught in the device's gears, bearing the faded, unsettling image of an ancient king. This unexpected find only deepens the sense of dread permeating the archive.

When I pulled the parchment from the gears a monstrous creatures burst through the walls wailing

creatureLuminous Goremaw ([savage] [keen-eyed] [monstrosity]): This creature [inflicts suffering] and attacks with [death of touch] for [necrotic] damage. It features a unique ability to [erupt into a flurry of jagged bone shards]. It [wields a prehensile tail] and [suffers from high-frequency sounds].
Combat

Phase 1:

Hindered by Ritualistic Hyper Focus, surprised
Eased by wary
Combat opening
DC 12 → 17 » Success, and
Ease by 2

Phase 2:
Cast Call The Echo's Call (Level 6)

eased by TM 2, eased by blood magic 2
hindered by Ritualistic Hyper Focus
Spellcasting
DC 9 → 12 » Success
The spell goes off exactly as you expected

Take Lingering Trauma

This wound is a [weeping] [spiderweb bruise] located on [the throat] that [hinders all senses].

Compel Chase to defend me

Eased by opening x2
Hindered by ritualistic hyper focus
Combat maneuver
DC 6 → 1 » Fail, and
Your actions failed, and you are hindered by 1
Add Mastery

While I called Chase forward he refuses to do what he's asked. Fucking idiot!

Phase 3:

Cast Siphon Creature on the fly

Hindered by maneuver failure, ritualistic hyper focus and on the fly
Eased by TM: 2, Blood magic 2
Spellcasting
DC 12 → 10 » Success, but
Success, but it backfires and hinders all rolls until the end of your next turn

Take Lingering Blood Magic Trauma

This wound is a [cold] [crystalline fissure] located on [the eyes] that [hinders all mental tasks].

Siphon the creature inside while it's moving

hindered by maneuver failure, ritualistic hyper focus, hindered by backfire
eased by essence siphon, the forced vessel

Combat strike
DC 15 → 17 » Success
Clean strike.
Ease 1 step

Phase 4:

hindered by maneuver failure, ritualistic hyper focus, hindered by backfire and lacks martial training
eased by light armor
Combat counter
DC 18 → 2 » Fail, but
Forced to retreat, but kept your shield up.
No Modifier

Phase 5:

ease by 1 step
Combat outcome
DC 6 → 19 » Success, and
Flawless dominance.
Unscathed

I'd never had to defend myself like that. I glared at Chase's ghostly figure and then called him back into the vial. Thankfully that didn't require more blood. I was already going to regret what I had.

But I had the Phoenix Flame, I asked it to heal me.

Q: Does the Phoenix Flame heal me?
Oracle
DC 12 → 9 » Yes, but
Break, Rope, Area

aiEvaluationThe Phoenix Flame surges through Nox, mending his wounds with a searing, restorative heat. However, the volatile energy causes a nearby structural rope to snap and break under the sudden magical surge. This release triggers a localized collapse, sending debris raining down across the area.

The Phoenix flame is unpredictable. The flames that engulfed me caught a rope holding the trap together and set off another chain reaction topping a few book shelves — something I'd have to pay for later. But who the fuck puts traps in a library?

Remove all strains and Lingering Traumas

aiSummary* Nox investigates the Gilded Archive, encountering a woman from The Shattered Axis whose presence is deeply unsettling.

* He discovers evidence of ritualistic activity, including a shrine to a young boy that suggests the group may be researching Vas children.

* After triggering an explosive trap that summons a Luminous Goremaw, Nox engages in a difficult combat encounter.

* During the fight, he attempts to call upon Chase's Echo for help but fails, eventually using siphon magic to capture the creature at the cost of a mental wound.

* He uses the Phoenix Flame to heal his physical wounds, though the volatile magical surge causes structural damage to the library.

Retconned

AJ Hunter — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

So a dungeon for the mission crawl wasn't any fun. I didn't want to hit a creature every room which is what a dungeon is. So We've got a few more rules for missions and will be trying them out so we've removed Session 3 and will start from when I enter the Gilded archive. And use the new rules.

So we rewrind...

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.