SYSTEM UPDATE: ADJUSTING TO D26 ROLLS WITH COMBO CHAINS FOR CRITICAL SUCCESSES
Ryoiichi (DM) Announcement:
[2024-09-10 | 8:30 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
Attention, everyone. Based on the escalating nature of the fight and the heightened challenges ahead, I’m implementing a system update. We will now be using D26 rolls instead of D23. This change will allow for combo chains to occur on critical successes, giving you the chance to link multiple actions or deal extra damage in a single round.
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SYSTEM UPDATE DETAILS:
1. D26 Rolls:
The base roll is now D26, meaning you’ll have a wider range of outcomes and the potential for higher rolls.
2. Critical Success (26 or higher with bonuses):
If you roll a 26 or higher (with bonuses), you’ll trigger a combo chain. This allows you to take additional actions in the same turn. For example:
* Combat Chain: If you roll a critical success in combat, you can perform a second attack or action immediately.
* Skill Chain: In a non-combat scenario, a critical success could let you complete an extra task, solve a puzzle faster, or gain an advantage.
3. Combo Chain Effects:
* Combat Chains: These allow for two consecutive attacks or one attack plus a defensive maneuver (such as dodging or parrying).
* Skill Chains: These allow for two consecutive skill checks (e.g., perception + intelligence), or an additional bonus action to gain insight, solve a puzzle, or support another character.
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EXAMPLE ROLLS WITH COMBO CHAINS:
* Auroura rolls a 26 or higher on Perception while scouting. She can immediately follow up with another action, like setting a trap or communicating a warning to the others.
* Devin rolls a 26 or higher in combat. He can deal a second blow to the enemy, delivering a one-two punch that weakens the target even more.
* Adnap rolls a 26 or higher while crafting traps. He can set a second trap or quickly adjust an existing one for increased efficiency.
* Leon rolls a 26 or higher while scouting. He can immediately take action based on his discovery, like setting up an ambush or taking a precision shot at an enemy.
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Note from Ryoiichi (DM):
The D26 system allows for more dynamic gameplay, with the potential for extra rewards on critical successes. Combo chains can turn the tide of battle or give you key advantages when investigating, preparing, or defending.
D26 ROLL OUTCOME GUIDE
Here’s a breakdown of the possible outcomes when rolling a D26, with descriptions for both combat and non-combat scenarios. This system will now also include the potential for combo chains on critical successes.
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1-6: CRITICAL FAILURE
* Combat:
* 1-2: Complete failure. You miss your target and may cause harm to yourself or allies (e.g., weapon malfunctions, self-inflicted damage, or opening yourself up to counter-attacks).
* 3-6: Failure. Your attack misses entirely or deals minimal damage. You leave yourself vulnerable to enemy attacks.
* Non-Combat:
* 1-2: Catastrophic failure. You make things worse (e.g., a trap backfires, or you destroy a key object).
* 3-6: Failure. You fail to achieve the task and may make the situation more difficult (e.g., wasting resources or missing important clues).
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7-12: PARTIAL SUCCESS
* Combat:
* You hit your target but with limited effectiveness. The damage is minimal, or you fail to fully follow through (e.g., you strike a glancing blow, but the enemy remains mostly unhurt or counters quickly).
* Non-Combat:
* You make some progress, but you don’t achieve the full goal. You might get part of the information or solve only a portion of the problem (e.g., discovering part of a puzzle but missing the critical piece).
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13-18: SUCCESS
* Combat:
* A solid hit. You successfully deal damage, and your attack has a noticeable effect on your opponent. You maintain control of the fight without leaving yourself vulnerable.
* Non-Combat:
* You achieve your goal. You find useful clues, fix an issue, or gain a meaningful advantage in the situation. It’s not extraordinary, but it’s enough to move forward confidently.
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19-23: GREAT SUCCESS
* Combat:
* You land a powerful hit or pull off a complex maneuver. The damage is significant, and you may gain a positional or strategic advantage (e.g., disarming your opponent, forcing them into a vulnerable position).
* Non-Combat:
* You accomplish more than expected. You uncover extra information or complete the task with greater efficiency (e.g., solving a puzzle faster, finding hidden resources, or gaining a special insight).
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24-25: CRITICAL SUCCESS (WITH COMBO CHAINS)
* Combat:
* Combo Chain Trigger: You deal devastating damage and can immediately perform an additional action. This could be another attack, a defensive maneuver (like dodging), or helping an ally in combat.
* Your attacks have an overwhelming impact, forcing your enemy to retreat, become stunned, or take heavy damage. The enemy’s position is compromised, and you can chain in another attack or action.
* Non-Combat:
* Combo Chain Trigger: You complete the task flawlessly and gain extra insight or advantage. You can immediately perform another task (e.g., solving a puzzle, creating a new plan, or aiding another player in their task).
* You uncover a hidden piece of information or resource that wasn’t obvious before, giving you a significant edge. You can act again quickly to compound the success.
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26: LEGENDARY SUCCESS (COMBO CHAIN GUARANTEED)
* Combat:
* Guaranteed Combo Chain: You unleash a legendary blow, dealing massive damage and having a profound effect on the battle. You can perform a second action, such as attacking again, setting a trap, or rallying your allies.
* Your attack is not only devastating but demoralizes the enemy or alters the battlefield itself (e.g., collapsing part of the terrain, stunning multiple enemies, or triggering environmental effects).
* Non-Combat:
* Guaranteed Combo Chain: You achieve a masterpiece of success, resolving the task perfectly and gaining a powerful advantage. You may perform an additional task (e.g., solving a second problem, uncovering a hidden truth, or enhancing the situation for your team).
* You gain a deep understanding of the situation, allowing you to make a game-changing discovery or set up the group for future success.
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SUMMARY TABLE:
Roll Combat Outcome Non-Combat Outcome Combo Chain 1-2 Critical Failure (self-harm) Catastrophic failure No 3-6 Failure (minimal damage, missed hit) Failure (no progress, wasted resources) No 7-12 Partial Success (low damage) Partial Success (incomplete progress) No 13-18 Success (solid hit, moderate damage) Success (full task completion) No 19-23 Great Success (strong hit) Great Success (additional progress) No 24-25 Critical Success (extra actions) Critical Success (extra insight/action) Yes 26 Legendary Success (game-changing) Legendary Success (masterful task) Guaranteed
SCENE 13: MYSTICAL REVELATION – THE HOLY GRAIL AND THE MURMURS OF MOUNT FLAGEAREL
The Setup:
After the climactic battle with the Preacher, the group feels a strange, mystical sensation washing over them. As the Preacher's twisted form dissolves into dust, runes they hadn’t noticed before begin to glow around them, and the ground beneath their feet pulses with hidden energy. The air feels charged with something ancient and powerful, as if a deep secret is being revealed. At the center of the chamber, where the Preacher had once stood, an altar of blood emerges from the floor.
The altar holds a Holy Red Grail, glowing with an intense, almost blinding light. Engraved on the grail is the image of a burning sun, its rays spilling across the altar like flames. In the distance, faint murmurs can be heard, like whispers carried on the wind. The name "Mount Flagearel" is repeated in the eerie murmurs.
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[2024-09-10 | 8:40 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
The air thickens as the mystical runes brighten around you, their light casting long, flickering shadows across the chamber. The altar, now fully revealed, holds a holy artifact of immense power—a red grail, bathed in the glow of a burning sun. The murmurs grow louder, speaking of an ancient place: Mount Flagearel. You feel drawn to it, as though the grail and this mysterious mountain are connected to Father Valen’s grander scheme. Something tells you that what lies ahead is even more dangerous than what you’ve faced so far.
"This is your call to action. You feel the energy within the grail—a burning force, yet oddly holy. The whispers of Mount Flagearel linger in the air, urging you onward. The choice now lies in your hands."
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Auroura’s Reaction to the Grail (Perception + Mystical Insight):
[2024-09-10 | 8:41 PM] Auroura:
"I can feel something… powerful. This isn’t just any artifact. There’s something ancient about it. I’m going to approach the grail carefully and see if I can understand what’s happening."
rolls D26 for Perception + Intelligence (Mystical Insight)
22 + 7 (Perception) + 3 (Intelligence) = 32 (Legendary Success, Combo Chain Triggered)!
[2024-09-10 | 8:42 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
As you step closer to the grail, your senses heighten. The light from the burning sun on the grail seems to speak to you, though not in words—it’s as though the very energy of the grail is trying to communicate. You realize that the Holy Red Grail is not merely a symbol of power—it’s a key. The burning sun engraved on it represents an ancient deity or force connected to life and death, and the grail itself seems to be a conduit for this power.
Suddenly, the grail hums with energy, and you instinctively reach out. As your hand brushes its surface, you feel a surge of mystical power flow through you, linking your mind to the murmurs of Mount Flagearel. You gain a vision: a towering, storm-covered mountain with ancient ruins at its peak, glowing with the same runes you see around the altar. This is where Father Valen seeks to complete his grand ritual.
Combo Chain Activated: You can now perform another mystical action or share this vision directly with your teammates.
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Devin’s Reaction (Strength + Leadership):
[2024-09-10 | 8:43 PM] Devin:
"I can feel it too. This thing is connected to something bigger. We’ve got to take this fight to Mount Flagearel before Valen can finish whatever ritual he’s planning."
rolls D26 for Strength + Leadership (Rallying the Group to Action)
20 + 7 (Strength) = 27 (Critical Success, Combo Chain Triggered)!
[2024-09-10 | 8:44 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
Your voice booms through the chamber, cutting through the murmurs. The group, shaken by the revelation of the grail, looks to you for guidance. With a steady tone, you rally them for the fight ahead. You know that if you don’t act now, Father Valen’s plan will come to fruition—and there won’t be another chance. Your conviction strengthens the group’s resolve, and they are ready to follow you into the heart of Mount Flagearel.
Combo Chain Activated: You can now organize a plan of attack or reinforce the group’s defenses before you move out.
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Adnap’s Reaction (Crafting + Intelligence):
[2024-09-10 | 8:45 PM] Adnap:
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"If we’re heading to Mount Flagearel, we’re going to need every tool and trap we can get. I’m going to start working on some enhancements for our gear before we head out."
rolls D26 for Intelligence + Craftsmanship (Crafting Upgrades and Enhancements)
18 + 6 (Intelligence) = 24 (Critical Success, Combo Chain Triggered)!
[2024-09-10 | 8:46 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You quickly assess the gear and tools the group has at their disposal. With your knowledge of crafting, you begin making upgrades—sharpening weapons, reinforcing armor, and creating new traps that can be used against the undead forces waiting at Mount Flagearel. Your hands move with precision, and soon, the group’s gear is more than battle-ready.
Combo Chain Activated: You can craft an additional set of traps or improve the group’s chances with a new tactical advantage.
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Leon’s Reaction (Scouting + Mystical Awareness):
[2024-09-10 | 8:47 PM] Leon:
"I’ve heard stories of Mount Flagearel before—an ancient place of power, said to be cursed. I’m going to see if I can gather more information about the path ahead and what we might face."
rolls D26 for Perception + Mystical Awareness (Gathering Intel on Mount Flagearel)
19 + 7 (Perception) = 26 (Legendary Success, Combo Chain Triggered)!
[2024-09-10 | 8:48 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
Your experience as a scout and your knowledge of the mystical come together. You recall legends of Mount Flagearel—a sacred place where ancient rituals of resurrection were performed long before Valen’s time. It’s a place where life and death intertwine, and it’s no surprise that Father Valen has chosen it as the site for his final ritual. You also remember stories of ancient guardians that once protected the mountain, likely undead sentries that could be lying in wait.
Combo Chain Activated: You can now scout the best path to Mount Flagearel or set up a plan for bypassing the mountain’s defenses.
SCENE 14: THE DILEMMA OF DISTANCE – A STRATEGIC PAUSE
The Setup:
The revelation of the Holy Red Grail and the murmurs of Mount Flagearel leave the group with a sense of urgency, but the harsh reality soon sets in—Mount Flagearel is too far away to reach immediately, and there is no map or clear path to guide them. While the mystical energy of the grail points to the mountain as the next step, the group must pause to reassess their strategy.
The town is still overrun with the undead, and there are multiple rune sites within the town that may hold clues to navigating toward the mountain or disrupting Father Valen’s forces before they can fully mobilize. It becomes clear that they must prepare for the journey and find resources, intel, and perhaps even allies before setting out.
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[2024-09-10 | 8:55 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
The light from the Holy Red Grail dims slightly, as if understanding that the journey to Mount Flagearel cannot begin yet. You stand in the mystical chamber, still feeling the echoes of the Preacher’s influence and the oppressive weight of Valen’s growing power. The murmurs that spoke of Mount Flagearel fade into the distance, leaving you with a new problem—the mountain is out of reach for now, and the town is still in chaos.
"Mount Flagearel looms in the distance, but without a map or a clear route, it would be suicide to attempt the journey now. You must first gather more information, fortify your resources, and find a way to disrupt Father Valen’s forces closer to home. The runes scattered across the town may hold the key to revealing the path to the mountain."
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AUROURA’S INSIGHT (INTELLIGENCE + STRATEGY):
[2024-09-10 | 8:56 PM] Auroura:
"The grail showed us the mountain, but we can’t go without a map or some kind of guidance. We should look for clues in the rune sites around the town. They might reveal a path or give us the information we need to prepare for the journey."
rolls D26 for Intelligence + Strategy
18 + 6 (Intelligence) = 24 (Critical Success, Combo Chain Triggered)!
[2024-09-10 | 8:57 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
Your sharp mind quickly pieces together the puzzle. You recall that the runes in the Preacher’s chamber matched those in the ruins around town. Each of these rune sites may contain clues that point toward Mount Flagearel. If you can disrupt or decipher the remaining rune sites, you might find a map or key to unlocking the hidden path to the mountain.
"Your insight reveals the next step: you need to investigate and disrupt the rune sites within the town before moving toward Mount Flagearel. These sites likely contain important information and may even hold the power to weaken Father Valen’s forces."
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DEVIN’S ACTION (STRENGTH + LEADERSHIP):
[2024-09-10 | 8:58 PM] Devin:
"Alright, the mountain’s out of reach for now, but we’ve got work to do here. Let’s clear out these rune sites in the town and gather as much intel as we can before making any moves. If Valen has set up rituals around here, we need to shut them down."
rolls D26 for Strength + Leadership (Organize the Team for Rune Site Infiltration)
21 + 7 (Strength) = 28 (Legendary Success, Combo Chain Triggered)!
[2024-09-10 | 8:59 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You quickly take charge, organizing the group to infiltrate and disrupt the rune sites scattered across the town. Your decisive leadership helps everyone fall into step, ready to act on your command. The survivors at the school are also put on high alert, preparing for any further attacks while you’re away. You’ve established a strong base of operations here, and the group is ready to launch a strategic offense against the runes.
Combo Chain Activated: You can now assign specific roles for each member of the group—scouting, disrupting the runes, or defending the school.
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ADNAP’S TACTICAL MOVE (CRAFTING + ENGINEERING):
[2024-09-10 | 9:00 PM] Adnap:
"Before we head out to the rune sites, I’ll get to work building a few specialized tools. We might need something to break down barriers, cut through the runes, or defend ourselves from whatever Valen’s got guarding these places."
rolls D26 for Intelligence + Crafting (Tool Preparation and Reinforcement)
20 + 6 (Intelligence) = 26 (Legendary Success, Combo Chain Triggered)!
[2024-09-10 | 9:01 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
With your engineering expertise, you quickly craft a set of specialized tools designed to disrupt the runes and break down any barriers protecting them. You create a rune disruptor—a tool that can temporarily disable the mystical energy in the runes, making it easier to neutralize the sites. You also craft a set of defensive traps in case the group is attacked while working on the sites.
"Your crafting has given the group a serious edge. The rune disruptor will make it much easier to disable the sites, and your traps will keep the team safe while they work."
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LEON’S RECON (SCOUTING THE RUNE SITES):
[2024-09-10 | 9:02 PM] Leon:
"I’m going to scout ahead and figure out exactly where these rune sites are located. If Valen’s been using them to channel power, we’ll want to hit them hard and fast."
rolls D26 for Perception + Agility (Scouting Rune Locations)
19 + 7 (Perception) = 26 (Legendary Success, Combo Chain Triggered)!
[2024-09-10 | 9:03 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You move quickly and quietly through the town, scouting the locations where the runes are most likely to be found. You discover three major rune sites, each heavily guarded by Valen’s undead forces. These rune sites are strategically placed, forming a triangle of power that seems to be channeling energy toward an unknown source, likely a hidden shrine somewhere in the town.
"You’ve located the rune sites and uncovered their layout. Disabling them will weaken Valen’s hold on the town and may reveal more about the hidden path to Mount Flagearel."
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SCENE CONCLUSION: STRATEGIC OFFENSIVE
The group now understands the reality of the situation: Mount Flagearel is too far to reach without proper preparation and guidance. However, the town holds the key to unlocking the path forward. The rune sites scattered across the area are critical points of power that must be disrupted before Father Valen can fully complete his ritual.
* Auroura has identified the connection between the rune sites and the mountain, confirming that they need to be disrupted to reveal more information.
* Devin has organized the group for a strategic offensive, assigning roles and preparing for the assault on the rune sites.
* Adnap has crafted specialized tools to disrupt the runes and defend the group during their missions.
* Leon has scouted the locations of the rune sites, uncovering their layout and the presence of undead guardians.
* SCENE 15: THE HUNGER BEYOND FLESH – A NEW NEED AWAKENS
The Setup:
As the group prepares for their next move—disrupting the rune sites to weaken Father Valen’s hold on the town—an overwhelming and foreign sensation creeps over them. A deep, unquenchable thirst and hunger gnaws at their very cores, but it is not physical. They realize, with a sense of dread, that though their bodies no longer need food or water, something else within them craves fulfillment. This hunger feels spiritual, tied to the dark magic surrounding the rituals they’ve disrupted, and the closer they come to Valen’s influence, the stronger the sensation grows.
The Holy Red Grail, still glowing faintly on the altar, seems to pulse in time with this new, unsettling need, as if drawing them toward it.
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[2024-09-10 | 9:10 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
As you prepare for your next step, an eerie and intense sensation grips you. It’s as if a sudden hunger, deeper and more primal than anything you've ever experienced, overtakes you. But this hunger is not for food or drink. It gnaws at your very spirit, a void inside you that cannot be filled. Your stomachs remain empty, but your mind screams for something—though you know not what.
"This is no ordinary hunger. Your physical needs have ceased to matter, but the thirst inside you now drives you. It’s as if the very essence of the rituals you’ve faced has imprinted itself upon you, and the more you resist, the stronger it becomes."
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AUROURA’S REACTION (MYSTICAL INSIGHT + WILLPOWER):
[2024-09-10 | 9:11 PM] Auroura:
"I feel it too. This hunger—it’s coming from the grail, or from the magic itself. But we’ve come too far to give in to it. We can’t let Valen’s influence control us."
rolls D26 for Intelligence + Willpower (Resisting the Spiritual Hunger)
19 + 6 (Intelligence) = 25 (Critical Success, Combo Chain Triggered)!
[2024-09-10 | 9:12 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You steady your mind, focusing on the mystical energy surrounding you. The hunger pulls at your soul, but you resist, drawing on your inner strength and knowledge of the runes. The grail pulses before you, its power feeding the hunger, but you recognize that this is Valen’s magic seeping into your very being. The closer you come to disrupting his ritual, the more this hunger will grow. However, you manage to push it back for now, keeping it from overwhelming your senses.
"You’ve managed to control the hunger for now. But it’s clear that the further you dive into Valen’s world, the stronger it will become. It’s linked to the very magic he uses."
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DEVIN’S REACTION (STRENGTH + LEADERSHIP):
[2024-09-10 | 9:13 PM] Devin:
"This hunger is pulling at me, but it’s just another trick. We’ve got to stay focused on the mission. Valen’s playing with our minds, but we’re stronger than that."
rolls D26 for Strength + Willpower (Resisting the Spiritual Hunger and Rallying the Group)
22 + 7 (Strength) = 29 (Legendary Success, Combo Chain Triggered)!
[2024-09-10 | 9:14 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
You feel the hunger clawing at your insides, but your determination is stronger. The void inside you grows, and the thirst for something more than physical sustenance gnaws at your soul, but you rally the group with a powerful speech. You remind them that this is just another manipulation by Valen—an illusion meant to weaken your resolve. As you speak, the pull of the hunger diminishes, though it does not disappear.
"Your words inspire the group, giving them the strength to resist this strange new need. You’ve pushed back against the hunger for now, but it’s clear that it will return stronger as you get closer to Valen’s power."
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ADNAP’S REACTION (CRAFTING + INTELLIGENCE):
[2024-09-10 | 9:15 PM] Adnap:
"I feel it too, but I’m going to focus on the task at hand. The hunger’s not real. It’s coming from whatever power Valen’s using. I’ll keep working on the tools, we need to keep going."
rolls D26 for Intelligence + Craftsmanship (Channeling Focus into Crafting to Resist the Hunger)
16 + 6 (Intelligence) = 22 (Critical Success, Combo Chain Triggered)!
[2024-09-10 | 9:16 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
The hunger threatens to overwhelm your thoughts, but you pour your focus into your work, using the precision and concentration needed to craft as a way to resist the spiritual pull. You refine the rune disruptor, ensuring it’s powerful enough to take down the runes guarding the town’s sites. As you work, the hunger lessens, but you feel it lurking at the edges of your mind, waiting for a moment of weakness.
"You’ve managed to resist the hunger by focusing your mind on creating tools. The rune disruptor is now more refined and ready for use, but you know this thirst for something more than food will continue to haunt you."
* LEON’S REACTION (SCOUTING + MYSTICAL AWARENESS):
[2024-09-10 | 9:17 PM] Leon:
"This hunger… it’s not natural. It’s like the closer we get to Valen, the more we become part of his ritual. I’m going to check the perimeter and see if I can find any signs of the hunger affecting others."
rolls D26 for Perception + Mystical Awareness (Scout and Investigate the Hunger’s Effects)
18 + 7 (Perception) = 25 (Critical Success, Combo Chain Triggered)!
[2024-09-10 | 9:18 PM] Ryoiichi (DM):
As you scout the area around the school, you notice something unsettling—the undead in the area seem to be acting differently, drawn toward the rune sites as if they, too, are affected by this strange hunger. You realize that Valen’s magic is feeding on this hunger, not just in the living but in the undead as well. The runes scattered around the town are part of a larger network designed to spread this hunger and drive both the living and dead toward his final goal.
"You’ve uncovered a critical connection. The undead are being influenced by the same hunger, drawn toward the rune sites. Valen’s magic is designed to feed on this hunger to power his ritual. The more you disrupt the runes, the more you weaken this force."
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SCENE CONCLUSION: A HUNGER BEYOND FLESH
The group is now painfully aware of the deeper forces at play. This hunger is not physical, but spiritual, and it is tied to Father Valen’s dark magic. As long as the runes remain active, this hunger will continue to grow, not only within the group but also within the undead that stalk the town.
* Auroura has managed to resist the hunger, but she knows that the closer they get to Valen’s rituals, the stronger it will become.
* Devin has rallied the group, pushing them to fight through this mystical need and focus on their mission.
* Adnap has refined the tools they need to disrupt the rune sites, channeling his focus into resisting the pull of the hunger.
* Leon has uncovered that the undead are also affected by the hunger, and the runes are part of a larger network driving them toward Valen’s ultimate plan.