Multiple Monkeys

Today I weigh 15st 3lbs. Down 3lbs just by sticking to diet and exercising  for 5 to 30 mins each day.

In my 13th Age game a group of my players are currently exploring a Demon Monkey Temple. Once they have finished exploring it I’ll post the whole thing. Meanwhile here is one of the monsters they fought and a one use item they found several of.

Multiple Monkeys.

8 Demon monkeys hanging from the Ceiling.

They all howl and gibber with one voice as they are actually one Demon in many bodies.

They start as 8 Level 1 Monsters.

When you kill one the remaining 7 become 2nd level. Growing in size and strength. This continues until the final Monkey is a Level 8 who will wreck faces.

Multiple Monkeys

8 x Level 1-8 Monsters

Howling Claws

+ (attack of monster of current level) Hit: Damage as per level.

One mind many bodies - Vulnerable to Psychic Damage

Cumulativly Stong - Every time a Multiple Monkey reaches 0 HP all the remaining Multiple Monkeys gain a level.

AC - as Monster of current level

PD - High defence of current level

MD - Low defence of current level

HP - As monster of current level

I used this 13th age GM Aid by Jim South to track the stats as they got harder.

Mani Wheel Scrolls

Filling these hand held prayer wheels with specially prepared scrolls allows anyone to cast the scroll with a simple flick of the wrist. However doing so consumes the drum of the Mani Wheel as well as the scroll.

Back to Fitness

This week I have restarted my diet and fitness regime having had it slip massively over the last few months. One of the reasons I started the blog was to give myself some accountability on my weight loss as well as to have a place to write about gaming.

Today I weigh 15st and 6 lbs. I have a short Diet Bet started with a colleague at work, I did Kettlebell Swings and restarted the 100 pushup challenge this morning and Thursday I’m going back to Tai Chi.

I’ll update my weight loss and exercise each Thursday and that will also give me some momentum to have something written to go with it.

My goal is to get down to 13 Stone in the next 3 months. 

Diet update and Session Reports

Today I weigh 14st and 2lbs despite having had pancakes (and paid a forfeit into the diet bet) on Tuesday. I have also decided to give up both Diet Coke and Being mean to people (I’m using lent as a motivator for this but in practice I want to give them up forever.)

In addition to excellent pancakes, I also had an excellent game of Dnd on Tuesday and Robin, K8 and myself all wrote up the session. here are the writeups:

I should also add that alot of my Temple of Elemental Evil plots are inspired by this post: http://wondrousimaginings.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/oldschooling-pathfinder-with-toee.html

The Party followed the treasure map they got from the possesed goblins to a tree on a rise north of Troy, there they found a party of 6 muppet goblins with a skeleton on a rope. Clio shot the skeleton and a parlay with the goblins began:
“you owe us a skeleton” demanded the goblin
“take it in bits” said Xavian
“Ok” said the goblin (some conversation abbreviated)
It also revealed that they were capturing Skeletons for the crazy wizard south of Troy, and that the North gate of Troy was missing. After sending the goblins on their way they found a pit beyond the hill with the tree on it. The pit was open and looked like the start of an undermining effort against the walls of troy, long abandoned and filled with rubble. Khandi investigated while tied to a rope, and as she climbed out found a stash of bags full of gold on the underside of the trapdoors.

The pit was closed and the party continued to the south. As they came into sight of the walls they discovered that the Goblin was correct. a short section of the walls including the North Gate of Troy was missing. A closer investigation led to a battle with Dessicated Trojan warriors their spears made from the dust of the city seemed to leech the feeling from limbs as they struck. (Wights in Dnd next are really interesting).
The warriors were dispatched but the effects of their blows lingered, retreating to a safe distance from Troy, Iola performed rituals to remove curses.

They travelled south for a day to the Temple River and then east for 2 more days before investigating the Moathouse once more. The drawbridge at the Moathouse was missing but a walkway of earth had replaced it. All of the bodies were missing from the moat house including from the dungeons beneath. The place that Tharg (the half orc) fell was still necromanticaly tainted. They concluded that followers of the Earth Temple must have been there.

A day and a halfs further travel east brought them within sight of the walls of the temple. Starkly changed from Xavian and Khandi’s previous visit the outer works were a hive of activity. Slaves labored under the whips of earth temple guards around the southern gate rebuilding the Walls. In the South east corner of the wall ranks upon ranks of humanoids stood unnaturally still. Clio recognised them as unliving. North of the undead and in the middle of the works near the eastern wall was a small camp of perhaps a dozen tents bearing the mark of Elemental Water. On the far side of the temple on the western side was a similar camp bearing the symbol of Elemental Fire, Patrols of Hobgoblins regularly left that camp and circled the walls. North of the Fire camp and in the North west corner was a larger Earth bannered Camp around a ruined building that they seemed to be rebuilding. Finally in the Northeast corner, near the tower that Xavian and Khandi had learned about arrows was another smaller camp with black banners.

Waiting for the cover of night Xavian snuck forward to free the slaves, conning and dispatching the guard watching them. Meanwhile Kavern, Khandi and Ioala snuck closer to the tower camp while Clio set fire to the largest tent in the Water temple’s camp. This caused the expected uproar and distractions. The Water temple demanded recompense and before long the Earth temple noticed the missing slaves and set off in pursuit. The party gathered back together and eavesdropped on the commander of the forces in the Black Bannered camp. They waylaid the fighter sent to disturb “The master” from inside the tower and questioned him.

They learnt that lareth had returned 2 weeks ago as a Lich, That Falrinth who led the Temple forces at this level had bowed before him and he had led the various forces of the temple out to the surface and set them to various tasks. That the emperor himself had visited the temple about 2 months ago and left with people from the Air temple and that Lareth was staying in the tower.
The party knocked him out and tied him up before assaulting the tower.

Blessed with the might of Ares Iola smashed in the door to the Lich’s chamber and both Xavian and Clio launched arrows and bolts into him, while Khandi began operation halfling ransack. Kaverns flask of Green slime went astray and the slime began to devour a dresser. The lich responded with a Flame strike and by infusing himself with dark power closing some of his wounds. However Iola lifted the 8th Sword of Ares and smote him critically destroying its head. As his empty armour fell to the floor they quickly looted the room, smashed the Pearl Skull he was wearing as an amulet and fled through a tunnel they found in the floor. The tunnel led half a kilometer to the west before emerging into a small cave. From there they headed back to Cannakale Xavian managing to lead 24 of the slaves he freed to safety.   

Robin Xavian’s player and K8 who plays Iola also sent me write ups:

From the journal of Amos, First Disciple of Xavian (self proclaimed).
Our taskmasters had worked us particularly hard that day, wishing to speed up the completion of their great task, the details of which, lowly slaves like us were never privy to. All we knew was the oppressive heat of the sun and the terrible sting of their whips and the soul devouring exhaustion that hung ever about our shoulders. The night meant an end to the days labours, but it offered us no comfort. It's cold embrace merely gave us time to better feel the ache in our bones and the despair in our hearts. Three more of our number gave in to their misery and took their lives. I pity these poor souls most, for had they but waited a few more hours then salvation would have been theirs, as it was ours.
I was sat weeping, sick from the sun, when the stranger appeared. He appeared as if from nowhere, cloaked in shadows and silence and I thought that Hades himself had finally come to claim us. He came to the gate of our prison and with a wave of his hand, the lock fell free. We could only watch, terrified, as the stranger set about releasing us from our bonds. We knew not what to do, surely this was some trap, some ploy of our dark masters to further break our spirits. We dared not to dream of freedom, hope had been a stranger to us for too long. But then the stranger spoke and his gentle voice was as a balm to our tortured souls.
"Fear not, my brothers and sisters, for I am come to take you away from this fell place. Follow me for I am your freedom."
In his words we saw only truth. This man, this cloaked stranger, had truly come to save us from our plight. Eagerly now we followed him from our pen, but despair would not so easily let us slip from it's clutches. In our path stood a legion of our captors, blades out, waiting to take from us our newly gifted freedom, or our lives should, we resist. The stranger, however, stepped forth to meet them.
"My people have suffered enough at your hands." He spoke calmly, but his voice carried with an air of authority beyond mortal men. "Let us pass."
Our enemy, beholden as they were to foul powers, could not hear the divine resonance behind the stranger's voice and were unmoved.
"These people have but begun to taste the agonies that we have prepared for them." One of their number jeered. "And who are you that thinks he can stop us?"
With a great sweep, the stranger flung back his cloak and divine light shone out into the night.
"I am Xavian, son of mighty Zeus and champion of the weak!"
With one slash of his mighty blade, the mighty Xavian slew fully half of the amassed legion and sent the rest fleeing into the night. With the way clear, our lord bade us follow once more and led us from darkness.
Once we were away from the dark temple, blessed Xavian spoke once more. He commanded us to wait at the feet of the great mountains. There we would remain safe while he returned to the temple to finish his holy mission and though many begged him not to leave, he would not be swayed.
"Fear not my people," he said, "I shall return and lead you to freedom as I have promised. However, I came to this place with companions who yet wait for me at that dark place and to them I must return, for justice is not yet done with this foul place."
With that, he was gone, as swiftly and as silently as when he first appeared.
Many hours did we wait. So many that we began to once more feel the cold hand of despair. But then we heard the great death cry of the lich echo throughout the valley and a moment later our lord was amoung us once more. He led us west, the direction of prosperity and freedom, and at dawns first light, we were joined by the Blessed Companions. Theirs was a band as varied as it was magnificent. There was the Huntress, an archer raised in the wild by wolves whose arrows are said to never miss their mark. The Child, eternally youthful and blessed with the gift of prophecy. The Half Man, who traded away much of his mortal form in exchange for mystical powers. Finally there was the Warrior. A fair maiden clad in armour of purest silver and wielding a holy sword, she is said to be cursed, her heart forever torn between our saviour and her own god. Along with these great heroes, our lord led us safely back to the village of Kannacle, beyond the reach of the dark forces that had ensnared us.
Whilst my fellows set to resting their minds and bodies, I found myself beset with a restlessness beyond any I had known before. When finally I slept, I dreamed. I dreamed of dark forces abroad in the world, of innocent men, women and children enslaved to their will, as I had been and when I awoke, I knew what I must do. It will be my mission to go forth and carry the word of my lord. I will be his herald in the world. I will gather others, and together we will bring light to darkness and hope to the hopeless. And so i leave this, so that even if i should fall, my words will remain and others will be able to carry on my great mission.
May the light of Xavian fall upon you all.

A few of the other slaves recognise the name Amos. They seem to recall that at the time of the rescue, he was suffering from an extremely bad case of sunstroke and was quite delirious

Iola’s writeup:
Report from Iola:

The Army Rosta: the unusual suspects.
Absent: Farouque; apparently bathing...again...Not to self ensure he is not being brain washed by bath related peril.



Troy: Who let the Ghouls out?
Threats:
Unliving creatures from Troy are now loose and able to cross the threshold of the City.  The doors have been carefully removed and perhaps it is this which has broken the seal which until now held the denizens within.  The culprits need to be found.  These are now also Hopolites rather than simple mindless unliving, they are seasoned warriors demonstrating small unit tactics and co-ordination.  A much greater threat than before.

Actions:
I need scouts to watch any egress from the City and report back as to what and where.
I need to know if this is the necromancer or more deluded Thanatos followers.

Solutions:
Find the necromancer who is investigating reanimation and how the unliving from Troy works.  Ensure he is on 'our side' or annihilate him and give his research to Kavern, Deiankus and anyone else of that bent.


Temple of Elemental Infighting
The Threat:
Too many resources and troops amassing here, albeit in hatred and bigotry of one another. We must use this to our advantage. As such Ares was definitely with us and Operation Gankthebitches proceeded successfully.
Cleo again demonstrated her expert bowling arm and desire to kill everything in the vicinity.
Kavern and his infernal Creature proved their worth with a variety of filthy alchemical nasties to defeat the enemy.  Water Temple people are stupid and assume any fire attach is done by the fire temple.
Lareth the aggravating was dispatched...again.  Eventually he will learn this is just a game he will continue to lose.
Xavian picked up more sycophants presumably Nyphs have become dull and he is expanding his horizons.  Finally got some more funding for the army.
The small dusky child follows him around still, she is adept at being inserted into odd places to investigate (perhaps this is why Xavian keeps her around) but I wonder if she is actually a Goblin or Imp in disguise, no one could be that innocent...

Actions:
Continue Operation Gankthebitches as regularly as we can from all sides.
I need scouts on the Temple to report movements and see where their supply lines and allies are.
Try and train up Xavian's rabble into a fighting force before he impregnates them all. Speak to Kavern about possible birth control options.
I need Scouts on the Temple to see where they are and work out where the Air Temple are operating from as they

Solutions:
Get rid of this problem with guerilla warfare until an assault can be mounted either by stealth or straight out fighting.
Then go and reclaim Troy...


Troubling Politics
The Emperor is reputed to have visited the ToEE which is why the Norse Legion were present there also.  He confirms his Apotheosis and his determination to oust all the divine Pantheon.  I will meditate on this with Ares...then work out a way to break him into pieces with righteous fury.

The Temple is funded by his Eliptrum, newly minted coins.  Further proof of his treachery.

Does this stain reach to Cannaucle and the fiendish Elf who keeps us out? I need to seek out Deiankus and Supermangangramicus to ensure she still follows the Gods and to remedy our current asylum.

Notes to self: Get a scribe...this is tedious, plus see which of Xavian's waifs and strays can be trained as a holding force for Canacule and a few leaders within this, should we have to take our more seasoned veterans out to the Temple or Troy.

Praise Ares.

That is all.

2013 Dreamlines and Diet update.

Today I weigh 14 stone 3 lbs, I have lost a pound, which is pretty good as I have had my work Christmas do this week. Next week start on Total inches and more exercise increases.

I’m also working on Dreamlines for the first 6 months of 2013. these are not set in stone yet but the four that I think I want to focus on immediately are:

Top 4 for the first 6 months of 2013

Play Games - I’m currently torn between running a massive sweeping epic campaign and running a series of smaller self contained campaigns letting me scratch my other systems itch.

Go to Gen Con US with the girls. This is on the cards for August.

Help People - Similar to my Gaming Self Help Post I’m looking into the field of Life Coaching.

Physical Improvement - Slimmer, Fitter Stronger and more agile. The Goal for Slimmer is under 13 stone by end of March. I need to set targets for the other three parts and start working towards them.

Top 4 for All of 2013

New Car - As per my last Dreamline, This is probably one for the 4th Quarter of the year.

More Dwarven Forge - The Cavern Chasms set is now available in the UK and the Catacombs set looks amazing.

A House - At least as Nice as where we currently live. The first step of this is to save for a deposit.

Best Larp Fighter - This one has dropped off a little but I’m sure it will come back as the Larp season begins.

Diet Update Magic Items and Iron Kingdoms RPG

This week I weigh 13st 10lbs. My Nano Writing has slowed right down but I am changing tack with it and will hopefully pick up pace over the weekend. I am up to 8565 Words a long way from the target.

Tonight I am starting a mini campaign of The Iron Kingdoms RPG. The players are all starting as members of a small Mercenary organisation and I am going to use a lot of the ideas from Night's Black Agents to make the campaign go. Specifically I am going to make a Conspyramid for the players to investigate and hopefully the first session will encourage them to start digging.

As the Iron Kingdoms doesn’t have traditional Vampires I am looking elsewhere to stock my conspyramid. The Nightmare Kingdom of Cryx is looking like a good candidate as are Sinister cults and the plots of Dragons.

On Sunday I will be running the last session of my Witchfire Trilogy Campaign (which I am running in Pathfinder having started it in the Warhammer Fantasy System from FFG). My prep for this session is what made me have another look at the new IK Rpg.

In the meantime here is one of the items mentioned in my Nano sample:

Gavel of Law

A +2 Slim Iron wood Gavel, about 9” long and carved with symbols of law and justice. Different owners have reported seeing carvings of different Law focused Deities upon the Gavel. With a thought it can be transformed into a  3 Foot Ironwood Warhammer +2 adding its bonuses to attack and damage.
To Attune you must catch or strike a criminal or liar.
Once per day by striking it against a hard surface you can create a zone of truth.
Once per month it can be used to “judge” someone. Attack vs MD. on a hit the target is banished off plane to a prison. At the DM’s opinion that person might come back at the head of a force of demons they have freed from that prison looking for revenge, or they could have something the players need forcing them to follow them to the prison plane. (While the target is on the prison plane the hammer counts as an additional item)
Quirk: becomes uncomfortable about breaking laws, this become an inability to do so if over attuned. (also if over attuned the bearer cannot Lie and has a poor opinion of criminals and liars.)

New Targets and Levels of Live Roleplayer

I ended up taking the Gathering off the diet and then agreed a penalty points reset with Ant. I Weight 13 stone 7lbs having been up to 13 stone 10lbs immediately after essentially a weekend long feast. Ant and I have new 1 year targets we both want to be at  <15% bodyfat by this time next year. My next short term goal is under 13 stone by the end of the September.

Levels of live roleplayer

I originally wrote this list quite angrily several years ago, dissapointed at how much of the game I felt people were missing out on. I have since though a lot about it and have rewritten it as a list of ways to try and make your events better. The list is fairly specific to the LT as that is the primary system that I play in.

Things that cause you to level up as a live roleplayer: (so gain 1 level for each of these that you have done)

Go to a Live role playing event
Gain a position of authority within your faction
Leave your faction camp more than 3 times in a weekend (going for food, monstering, with the rest of the faction, doesn't count)
Have Friends in another faction
Go to a sanctioned event
Go to a Sanctioned event run by another faction or Guild
Go to ten Sanctioned events in one calendar year
Have been in more than one faction
Have been in at least half the factions (at least a year in each one)
Have been in all the factions (at least a year in each one)
Go to more than one system
Join a Guild
Earn a position of Authority withing a Guild
Contribute to a ritual
Perform a Ritual
Own a Lammie
Help to organise or Run a Sanctioned event
Be considered for a DPC or NPC position
Have a Faction Hate you
Solve a plotline
Make a decision as to be PVP flagged as a Character or not
Get assassinated by other players
Make girls cry because of Roleplay (can also be written as provoke an powerful emotional response)

Thanks to the people that helped me compile the original list.

What level are you? What would you add to the list to grant someone another level? (i’ll add the best suggestions to the list.)

Diet update and how far I have come

This week I weigh 13st and 6lbs, I want to lose another 6lbs before this time next week.

Posting these weekly updates has really helped me stay on track with the changes I am making. Talking about them and having to make a post about it each week keeps it fresh in my mind and makes me less likely to cave to temptation. Speaking of temptation Tim Ferris’ Blog has a very interesting article this week on Ego Depletion.

The rest of this week's post is inspired by this post from Ant, where he gives an update on how he is doing.

I started this blog on Monday the 2nd of April and at that point I weighed 15 Stone. Since then I have made 40 Posts.

I have gone from wearing 42” waist Trousers to 36” Waist. Medium T-Shirts now fit me.

According to my massively unreliable Scales my BMI has dropped 5 points.

I have a Plan of what I want to do, even if I am still fighting with exactly how I am going to do it.

I am working towards my Dreamlines and I have a Bucket List.

I am reading The 13th Age Escalation Edition (I pre ordered and they send you a pdf of the current rules) which has a lot of very interesting ideas to add story elements to the typically more fighty D20 games. I am also reading The Education of Millionaires and some comics and graphic novels I got while at the Travelling Man 21st party up in leeds at the weekend.

This weekend I am going to Eclectic Games for the launch of the Dr Who Card Game, and then on Sunday there will be some more Fighting Practice.

All in all everything is going well. What has been cool about your week?