Fabula Ultima – Beyond the Waves: Traces of the Past 2
Session 2 of my solo Fabula Ultima campaign.
Scene 5
Session starts!
Player tests the Expected Scene.
Chaos Factor: 6
Mythic declares it's an Interrupt Scene with the Random Event "NPC Positive" and the Character "Grandma."
Chaos Factor: 6 => 5
Player seeks for an Adventure Element.
Mythic answers "Centipede."
Page: 12
Section: 6
---
Player seeks to Discover Meaning:
"What is the vibe of the shrine?"
Table: Domicile Descriptors
Mythic answers "Lavish" and "Disagreeable."
Player asks a Fate Question:
"Is the shrine dedicated to the titan centipedes?"
EIRIN spends Fabula Points to Alter the Story and declares the answer as "Yes."
FP: 3 => 2
---
IZUMI is in "Defiant" Mood.
YANA is in "Gossipy" Mood.CENTIPEDE SHRINE – NIGHT
Eirin, Izumi, and Yana follow the old lady closely, her lantern illuminating the path through the dark and misty forest.
After some time, the shadowy outline of a large structure emerges—a shrine, its intricate design slowly coming into view.
IZUMI
I-I can't believe it... There was a shrine this big in the middle of the Forbidden Forest?YANA
I can't believe it either—that we thought it's a good idea to follow the old lady here. This is the kind of place that would definitely be haunted.IZUMI
E-Eirin, I don't think we should be here. This place feels... off.EIRIN
No Izumi, have you not seen it? This is the place we're looking for.IZUMI
Huh? Seen what?EIRIN
The centipedes. This building is riddled with centipede ornaments.
On a closer look, numerous intricate carvings of centipedes adorn the shrine's edges and pillars, winding along the wood.
With a soft creak, the lady slides open the shrine door and extends her hand in an inviting gesture.
LANTERN LADY
Please, come in.
LANTERN LADY has "Neutral" Attitude.
LANTERN LADY is in "Suspicious" Mood.The three find themselves seated on the floor of a modest guest room, gathered around a small table as the lantern atop it casts a warm glow over the space.
The lady steps inside, cradling a tall bottle of pale golden liquid.
LANTERN LADY
Apologies for the wait. We rarely have visitors, so I've almost forgotten where I put this.YANA
And what's that?LANTERN LADY
A divine treat—a real, titan centipede wine.IZUMI
A wine... made from titan centipede? Just like the one Grandma mentioned...LANTERN LADY
Indeed. You must have been eager to have a taste of this, weren't you?YANA
No, not really. I don't drink.IZUMI
M-me too.YANA
Huh? Since when?
Izumi jabs at Yana's legs beneath the table.
IZUMI
Shh!LANTERN LADY
That's a shame. How about you?EIRIN
No thanks, we are not here for drinks—we are here for answers.LANTERN LADY
Oh? And what answers could you possibly expect to find here?
EIRIN chooses the "Wildcard" Tone and passes to IZUMI with "Questioning" Tone.
Humorous / Surprised / Wildcard
LANTERN LADY reacts Somewhat Positively with the "Questioning" Reaction.IZUMI
This shrine... there are for the titan centipedes, right?LANTERN LADY
That's right. Why do you ask?IZUMI
I... just find it a little bit odd that you would have this kind of wine here.LANTERN LADY
Why? Can we not reap the boon bestowed by the remains of what the titan centipedes left us with?IZUMI
I-I mean-LANTERN LADY
Or perhaps you meant that we murdered them—like those heretics—then you could not be more wrong.IZUMI
Oh... I see...
EIRIN chooses the "Sad" Tone.
Worried / Sad / Charming
LANTERN LADY reacts Negatively with the "Neutral" Reaction.EIRIN
So you were there... before the titan centipedes went extinct?
Suddenly, a loud slam echoes as the table is struck, and the lady's expression twists into a scowl.
LANTERN LADY
EXTINCT?!EIRIN
!LANTERN LADY
They are not gone from this world! Their spirits are with us! Their legends are to be remembered! Their remains... are to be cherished forever...EIRIN
.....
The lady breaks down in tears, sobbing uncontrollably.
LANTERN LADY
It's all my fault... I should've protected them... I should've tried harder... I should've—I should've killed those heretics first...EIRIN
I'm—I'm sorry...
EIRIN chooses the "Friendly" Tone.
Friendly / Questioning / Aggressive
LANTERN LADY reacts Somewhat Negatively with the "Neutral" Reaction.EIRIN
I... understand how you feel.LANTERN LADY
Please, save your pity somewhere else. What could a city child like you possibly understand?EIRIN
Actually... I'm not from the city...IZUMI
(whispering) W-wait, Eirin! Are you sure you want to tell her about that?EIRIN
She might be able to help us...LANTERN LADY
What are you talking about?
Eirin takes a deep breath.
EIRIN
The truth is, I am...
Time passes by—the lantern's glow grows dimmer as Eirin spares no detail in her story—her princess identity, her titan centipede ancestry, everything from her childhood to the day she fled the Dragon Palace, all the way up to this very moment.
EIRIN
...And that's why we're here—to seek out any traces of the titan centipedes... or of my mother.
EIRIN performs a Check to "convince the LANTERN LADY of her story."
{WLP + WLP} vs 16
{d6(1) + d6(6)} = 7 vs 16
It's a failure!
Player seeks to Discover Meaning:
"What is the Lantern Lady's reaction to that information?"
Table: Character Actions (General)
Mythic answers "Struggle" and "Lazy."LANTERN LADY
What kind of nonsense have you subjected me to...EIRIN
It's not nonsense! I can—LANTERN LADY
Please, I wish not to engage with any more of your trickeries...EIRIN
.....LANTERN LADY
(sighs) Couldn't you thieves at least come up with more sensible lies?YANA
Hey! Who are you calling thieves out of nowhere?!LANTERN LADY
Oh please, there is only one reason people would wander to this part of the forest—to rob this shrine.IZUMI
W-we are not doing that! We were just trying to return home but the mist... somehow made us unable to...LANTERN LADY
Right, the mist. Those people often got lost in it too.YANA
Hold on, do you know something about the disappearances here?LANTERN LADY
Disappearance? I mean those thieves do come, get disappointed that there's nothing to take, and then storm off—never to be seen again.YANA
Uh huh...LANTERN LADY
(giggles) But of course, they don't know where I kept this wine... It's the very last valuable I have...EIRIN
Listen... even if you don't believe us, would you be kind enough to help us out of this mist? Please.LANTERN LADY
Hmm... we'll see. Come find me in the morning—I need some time to myself after all... that. For now, you may rest here. Goodnight.
With the lantern in hand, the lady silently rises and steps out of the room, leaving the three girls wondering in the dark.
Player adds "Lantern Lady" to the Characters List.
- Grandma (1)
- Kappa (1)
- Forbidden Forest (1)
- Thatchling (1)
- Lantern Lady (2)
Player removes "Travel to the mountainside by the Forbidden Forest" from the Threads List.
- Find a way out of the mysterious mist (2)
Player adds "Find a way out of the mysterious mist" to the Threads List.
- Find a way out of the mysterious mist (3)Scene 6
Player tests the Expected Scene.
Chaos Factor: 5
Mythic declares it's a Crisis Scene with the Crisis Event "Adventure Element."
Chaos Factor: 5 => 6
Crisis Progress Point: 2 => 3
Player seeks for an Adventure Element.
Mythic answers "Horror."
Page: 6
Section: 1
---
EIRIN is in "Skeptical" Mood.
IZUMI is in "Clueless" Mood.CENTIPEDE SHRINE – MIDNIGHT
A figure creeps forward in the darkness before kneeling beside another asleep on the floor. They reach out and give them a quiet shake.
YANA
Pssst... Hey, wake up!EIRIN
Wha... What's the matter?YANA
I heard some weird noises coming from a room nearby.EIRIN
It's probably the lady.YANA
Yeah, and we need to check it out.EIRIN
That is... quite inappropriate, no?YANA
I don't care. That old lady is giving me the creeps!EIRIN
I think she just hurt from... from what she told us...YANA
That's more the reason we couldn't really trust her!EIRIN
Why? What could she possibly do to make us need to be cautious?YANA
The way she talked about the disappeared people... and the fact that we ended up here after being lost in the mist... Don't you think it's a bit suspicious?EIRIN
You think... she's behind all the disappearances?YANA
Maybe. What did your "magical sense" tell you about the lady again?EIRIN
.....YANA
Come on, let's go.EIRIN
Wait—where's Izumi?
Izumi is lying face down, limbs sprawled across the floor, snoring peacefully.
IZUMI
zzzYANA
(sighs) I tried... I need you to drag her along...
Player seeks to Discover Meaning:
"What is the Lantern Lady doing exactly?"
Table: Character Actions (General)
Mythic answers "Leadership" and "Abandon."
---
LANTERN LADY is in "Chatty" Mood.The trio moves stealthily through the shrine's shadowy hallway. Yana takes the lead, while Eirin guides a drowsy Izumi by the shoulder.
They pause by a room where indistinct voices drift from within. The sliding door eases open slightly, and they peek inside to see the Lantern Lady sitting at the center—her back turned to them—murmuring softly to herself.
LANTERN LADY
You've tried...? Is that so...? How unfortunate...YANA
(whispering) What the—who's she talking to?LANTERN LADY
Hm...? Let you go...? No, no, your task is not over yet...EIRIN
Is she... talking in her sleep?
Izumi stirs at the chattering, her eyes opening groggily.
IZUMI
Huh... what...?LANTERN LADY
How? You know how... I will make sure of it... Of course, I can make you a new body...
The Lantern Lady raises her hands to the air. Magical energy swirls across the room as grass rapidly sprouts from between the floorboards, weaving itself into two thatchlings.
YANA, EIRIN & IZUMI
!!!LANTERN LADY
Remember—this time, make sure those girls don't leave alive.IZUMI
W-W-WHAT?!
EIRIN receives 1 Fabula Points from Villain entrance!
FP: 2 => 3
IZUMI receives 1 Fabula Points from Villain entrance!
FP: 2 => 3
YANA receives 1 Fabula Points from Villain entrance!
FP: 3 => 4
---
LANTERN LADY has "Very Unfriendly" Attitude.LANTERN LADY
Ah~ awake so soon? I hope you had a nice rest, sweeties—after all, it was your last.
YANA chooses the "Worried" Tone.
Worried / Rude / Sad
LANTERN LADY reacts Somewhat Negatively with the "Malevolent" Reaction.YANA
You... killed them, didn't you? Those people who disappeared—those thatchlings...LANTERN LADY
As it should be. The titan centipedes' retribution falls upon those whose souls are corrupted by greed and gluttony.YANA
How could you know that...? They could be innocents!LANTERN LADY
Innocents? Oh, please. Ever since the day the heretics murdered the centipedes—and the rest stood idle in compliance—I've known that no one is innocent. To this day, the very soul of Iadae rots with corruption.
YANA chooses the "Questioning" Tone.
Questioning / Aggressive/ Surprised
LANTERN LADY reacts Somewhat Positively with the "Questioning" Reaction.YANA
But the thatchlings... how? Where did you learn necromancy magic?
Player asks a Fate Question:
"Is the Lantern Lady a thatchling too?"
YANA spends Fabula Point to Alter the Story and declares the answer as "Yes."
FP: 4 => 3LANTERN LADY
Learn? Not everything in this world needs to be learnt from that school of yours, child. Sometimes, one just earned it—blessed with it, and I have all the time in this world to sharpen it.YANA
You—you're not a human, are you? Or rather, you're not really alive...LANTERN LADY
I was barely alive back then—what difference does it make now?
The image of the old lady fades and distorts, revealing a thatched body with a head soaked in blood red.
YANA
Illusion magic... damn it! I should've known.
YANA chooses the "Wildcard" Tone and passes to EIRIN with "Aggressive" Tone.
Wildcard / Charming / Friendly
LANTERN LADY reacts Negatively with the "Furious" Reaction.EIRIN
Listen, there's no need for bloodshed. We can leave in peace and no longer bother you.LANTERN LADY
As I said, no one will be leaving here alive. NO ONE!EIRIN
I have my own vengeance to exact, and I need them with me. Don't dare stand in my way!LANTERN LADY
Again with that pompous story of yours? By the titan centipedes, I shall punish you—you preposterous fraud!
Player adds "Lantern Lady" to the Characters List.
- Grandma (1)
- Kappa (1)
- Forbidden Forest (1)
- Thatchling (1)
- Lantern Lady (3)
Player adds "Defeat the Lantern Lady" to the Threads List.
- Find a way out of the mysterious mist (3)
- Defeat the Lantern Lady (1)Scene 7
Player tests the Expected Scene.
Chaos Factor: 6
Mythic declares it's an Interrupt Scene with the Random Event "NPC Action" and the Character "Lantern Lady."
Chaos Factor: 6 => 5
Player seeks for an Adventure Element.
Mythic answers "Change."
Page: 36
Section: 4
---
Conflict scene begins!
EIRIN, IZUMI (and BIBU), and YANA
vs
LANTERN LADY, THATCHLING 1 and THATCHLING 2
ROUND 1
LANTERN LADY's turn.
LANTERN LADY starts the "Illusory Mist" Clock.
Clock: (0/6)
LANTERN LADY uses "Wailing Cry" on LANTERN LADY, THATCHLING 1, and THATCHLING 2.
MP: 160 => 130CENTIPEDE SHRINE – PAST MIDNIGHT
The Lantern Lady lets out a terrible shriek. Mist surges into view. The walls and the ceiling of the room fade away—along with the lady herself. Yet her voice can still be heard within the mist, echoing from all sides.
IZUMI
W-where are we?! Where did she go?!YANA
Ugh, not again with this mist! Hey coward! Show yourself!LANTERN LADY
(echoing) Coward? I'll show you who's the real coward here soon enough.EIRIN
Heads up, the thatchlings are still here and on the attack!YANA
Not on my watch!
YANA's turn.
YANA uses "Glacies" on THATCHLING 1 and THATCHLING 2.
{INS + WLP} + 2 vs 10
{d8(8) + d10(8)} + 2 = 18 vs 10
MP: 55 => 35
It's a critical success!
THATCHLING 1 and THATCHLING 2 suffers 46 ice damage.
{HR(8) + 15} * 2 (VU) = 23 * 2 = 46
HP: 50 => 4 (Crisis!)
YANA spends an opportunity on "Progress."
YANA fills two sections of the "Illusory Mist" Clock
Clock: (2/6)A frigid beam of ice splits into two and hits both thatchlings square in the head, blasting them far back into the mist.
LANTERN LADY
What—how?! How can a child like you wield such powerful magic?!YANA
First of all, I'm not a child. Second, it seems like your knowledge of magic is severely outdated grandma. I can almost see that you're struggling with that musty magic of yours~LANTERN LADY
Silence! Don't think you've already won! Thatchling! Rise and strike them!
LANTERN LADY's turn.
LANTERN LADY uses "Command Thatchling" on THATCHLING 1.
MP: 160 => 150
LANTERN LADY's "Soul Tangle" triggered.
THATCHLING 1 and THATCHLING 2 recovers 10 HP.
HP: 4 => 14
---
THATCHLING 1's turn.
THATCHLING 1 uses "Frond" on BIBU.
{DEX + INS} + 1 vs 8
{d8(6) + d8(4)} + 1 = 11 vs 8
It's a success!
BIBU suffers 21 physical damage and loses 10 MP.
{HR(6) + 5} + 10 = 21
HP: 32 => 11 (Crisis!)
MP: 45 => 35YANA
I-Izumi! Behind you!IZUMI
!!!
As the thatchling's strike about to land, a small fireball leaps from Izumi's backpack, deflecting the blow. On closer look, a fiery rodent can be seen biting down on the thatched arm.
IZUMI
(gasp) Bibu!YANA
What the—where did the rat come from?!IZUMI
I... have brought him from the very beginning.YANA
Y-you're telling me you've been carrying that rat in your bag this whole time?!IZUMI
Y-yes.YANA
Why...? Actually nevermind—whatever...
IZUMI's turn.
IZUMI uses "Faithful Companion" with BIBU.
BIBU uses "Blazing Bite" on THATCHLING 1.
{MIG + MIG} + 1 vs 9
{d10(3) + d10(8)} + 1 = 12 vs 9
It's a success!
THATCHLING 1 suffers 36 fire damage.
{HR(8) + 10} * 2 (VU) = 18 * 2 = 36
HP: 14 => 0
THATCHLING 1 is defeated!
One section of the "Illusory Mist" Clock is filled.
Clock: (3/6)In a suit of fiery rage, the fire rat scurries all over the thatchling's body, biting and burning them relentlessly.
IZUMI
C-careful Bibu!YANA
I don't think Bibu's the one who need to be careful... He's burning that thatchling to crisp.LANTERN LADY
Curses! What is that thing?!EIRIN
Hm... this must have been the fire rat you two keep talking about.LANTERN LADY
You fools! You fools! YOU FOOLS! I said get the girls! Not the damn rat!
THATCHLING 2's turn.
THATCHLING 2 uses "Thatchling's Curse" on YANA.
{INS + WLP} vs 10
{d8(5) + d8(4)} = 9 vs 10
MP: 55 => 45
It's a failure!
---
EIRIN'S turn.
EIRIN uses "Unarmed Strikes" on THATCHLING 2.
{DEX + MIG} + 2 vs 9
{d8(1) + d10(9)} + 2 = 12 vs 9
It's a success!
THATCHLING 2 suffers 19 physical damage.
{HR(9) + 10} = 19
HP: 14 => 0
THATCHLING 2 is defeated!
One section of the "Illusory Mist" Clock is filled.
Clock: (4/6)Eirin delivers a decisive blow to the thatchling's brittle body, shattering it into pieces.
EIRIN
There's not much difference from the last time we faced these creatures...YANA
Yup. Now did the crazy lady run away already?LANTERN LADY
Grr... the only ones who're supposed to be running away now ARE YOU!IZUMI
(gulp)
ROUND 2
LANTERN LADY's turn.
LANTERN LADY uses "Telekinetic Projectile" on BIBU.
{INS + WLP} + 2 vs 8
{d8(8) + d10(4)} + 2 = 14 vs 8
It's a success!
BIBU suffers 13 physical damage.
{HR(8) + 5} = 13
HP: 11 => 0
BIBU is defeated!A rock is suddenly lifted into the air and sent hurtling towards Izumi's, but Bibu leaps in the way again, only to be knocked into the shrouding mist.
IZUMI
BIBU!!!YANA
(grabbing Izumi) Wait! Don't split up! Not in the middle of this mist!IZUMI
But-YANA
I'm sure Bibu will be fine. I mean... that rat survived far worse.LANTERN LADY
Hahahaha! Lost yourself in this illusory mist of mine, as I aim for your heads next!YANA
Tch... how are we supposed to fight when we can't even see her...?EIRIN
I... think I may be able to see her.IZUMI & YANA
What?!EIRIN
The lady's peculiar aura... I can feel it lingering somewhere in the mist.YANA
Right, that sense of yours! Pinpoint where she is and I'll blast her!
EIRIN's turn.
EIRIN uses "Objective" with YANA's support and is opposed by LANTERN LADY.
{INS + WLP} + 1 vs {INS + WLP}
{d8(5) + d6(5)} + 1 = 11 vs {d8(1) + d10(7)} = 8
LANTERN LADY spends Ultima Points to Invoke Traits "deceptive".
11 vs {d8(1) + 7} = 8
11 vs {d8(3) + 7} = 10
UP: 5 => 3
EIRIN fills one section of the "Illusory Mist" Clock.
Clock: (5/6)EIRIN
Over there!LANTERN LADY
?!!
Yana swiftly aims her staff and fires a piercing icy beam straight through the mist—the air crackling sharply in its wake.
A stretch of silence follows.
YANA
Did that hit?LANTERN LADY
(still echoing) How...? HOW?!YANA
Huh, must've been close.LANTERN LADY
How can a bunch of brats—aargh! Who are you people exactly?!EIRIN
I told you who I am.LANTERN LADY
LIES! It—It's all just trickery! It must have been... You wretched witches!IZUMI
T-t-that term is no longer appropriate for-LANTERN LADY
SHUT IT!!!
LANTERN LADY's turn.
LANTERN LADY uses "Howl of Vengeful Fury" on IZUMI.
{INS + WLP} + 1 vs 10
{d8(1) + d10(8)} + 1 = 10 vs 10
MP: 130 => 125
EIRIN uses "Protect" on IZUMI.
10 vs 12
LANTERN LADY spends Ultima Points to Invoke Traits "vengeful".
{d8(1) + 8} + 1 = 10 vs 12
{d8(3) + 8} + 1 = 12 vs 12
UP: 3 => 1
It's a success!
EIRIN suffers 18 air damage.
{HR(8) + 10} = 18
HP: 65 => 47
---
IZUMI's turn.
IZUMI uses "Guard".The Lantern Lady's piercing howl reverberates through the mist as it surges towards Izumi, but Eirin swiftly steps in, blocking it before it can reach her.
IZUMI
E-Eirin! Are you alright?!EIRIN
I'm... fine. No need to worry about me.YANA
Okay jerk, why did you always target my sister?! Leave her alone!LANTERN LADY
Maybe she shouldn't have poked her head around so much then!IZUMI
(crouching) O-okay, I'll just stay down here...YANA
Don't listen to her! Orrr maybe do, if it's for the best...
ROUND 3
LANTERN LADY's turn.
LANTERN LADY uses "Telekinetic Projectile" on IZUMI.
{INS + WLP} + 2 vs 8
{d8(1) + d10(1)}
It's a fumble!
EIRIN spends an opportunity on "Progress."
EIRIN fills one section of the "Illusory Mist" Clock
Clock: (6/6)Another rock—bigger than the last—is lifted into the air, hovering briefly before hurtling towards Izumi—again. Almost simultaneously, Eirin's head snaps in a direction, sensing a surge of magical power.
Yana promptly fires in that direction, finally striking the Lantern Lady as the rock sails over Izumi's head and the mist around them disperses.
YANA
Hah! Bullseye!IZUMI
(looking up) Huh? What? What happened?!EIRIN
We've found the lady. She won't be able to hide in the mist anymore.LANTERN LADY
Nngh! Damn you!
IZUMI's turn.
IZUMI uses "Study" on LANTERN LADY
{INS + INS} + 2 vs Open
{d10(9) + d10(9)} + 2 = 20 vs Open
It's an Encyclopedic success!
Player asks a Fate Question:
"Is the LANTERN LADY Vulnerable to fire and air?"
Odds: Very Likely
Mythic answers "Exceptional Yes. The LANTERN LADY also Resist ice and bolt."
IZUMI spends an opportunity on "Advantage."YANA
Huh, she doesn't take as much damage from the spell as the other thatchlings.IZUMI
Hmm... it seems like her body is made of winter grass that withstands cold better.YANA
(sarcastic) Great—and we don't have the fire rat, so... any other ideas?IZUMI
Those... coils? The glowing blue strands holding her body together—they seem pretty loose. Maybe you could... umm... blow her apart?YANA
You always come up with these outlandish ideas, don't you, Izumi? But that does sound like it would work!LANTERN LADY
No, no... not if I blow you apart first!
LANTERN LADY's turn.
LANTERN LADY uses "Howl of Vengeful Fury" on IZUMI.
{INS + WLP} + 1 vs 10
{d8(3) + d10(10)} + 1 = 14 vs 10
MP: 125 => 120
It's a success!
IZUMI suffers 20 air damage.
{HR(10) + 10} = 20
HP: 35 => 15 (Crisis!)The Lantern Lady's howling gust blasts Izumi off her feet, sending her crashing to the ground.
IZUMI
AAH!YANA
IZUMI!!!IZUMI
(writhing) O-oww...EIRIN
Sorry! I was not quick enough! Are you hurt?IZUMI
Y-yes... but-YANA
Alright, that's it! You're just asking for it, don't you?! I'll show you some proper magic, grandma!
YANA's turn.
YANA uses "Ventus" on LANTERN LADY.
{INS + WLP} + 2 + 4 vs 8
{d8(6) + d10(9)} + 2 + 4 = 21 vs 8
MP: 35 => 25
It's a success!
LANTERN LADY suffers 48 air damage.
{HR(9) + 15} * 2 (VU) = 24 * 2 = 48
HP: 120 => 72
---
EIRIN's turn.
EIRIN uses "Thereomorphosis" with "Dynamotheria" & "Toxicophara."
HP: 47 => 32 (Crisis!)The blast of wind from Yana's spell rips through the Lantern Lady's thatched body, sending tufts of grass flying outward.
LANTERN LADY
NOOO!!! My beautiful body!YANA
Beautiful? Really?LANTERN LADY
Grr... HOW DARE YOU?!! I swear I'll rip that body of yours to pieces!YANA
Hmph, I'd like to see you try!IZUMI
Eirin...? Are you okay? You look... stressed.EIRIN
(trembling) I'm fine! I'm just... a little bit tired...
ROUND 4
LANTERN LADY's turn.
LANTERN LADY uses "Telekinetic Projectile" on EIRIN.
{INS + WLP} + 2 vs 10
{d8(5) + d10(1)} + 2 = 8 vs 10
LANTERN LADY spends Ultima Points to Invoke Trait "vengeful."
{5 + d10(5)} + 2 = 12 vs 10
UP: 1 => 0
It's a success!
EIRIN suffers 10 physical damage.
{HR(5) + 5} = 10
HP: 32 => 22 (Crisis!)IZUMI
(gasp) Watch out!EIRIN & YANA
!!!
A large log suddenly flies past Yana and slams into Eirin, pinning her now motionless body to the ground.
EIRIN
.....IZUMI
Hold on Eirin! I can—I can...LANTERN LADY
Now... the time has come for you to DIE! ALL OF YOU!!!YANA
S-shit!
IZUMI's turn.
IZUMI uses "Heal" on EIRIN, IZUMI and LANTERN LADY.
MP: 75 => 45
EIRIN recovers 40 HP.
HP: 22 => 62
IZUMI recovers 40 HP.
HP: 15 => 35
LANTERN LADY loses 20 HP from "Undead."
40 / 2 = 20
HP: 72 => 52As Izumi reaches out to Eirin, a faint magical glow emanates from her hands, repelling the Lantern Lady and forcing her a few steps back.
LANTERN LADY
AARGH!!! What—What is that?!IZUMI
Right, vitality magic! It can be used against the undead!YANA
Phew, good thinking, Izumi!IZUMI
A-actually, I didn't really think of it...LANTERN LADY
Gah! Enough with this witchcraft of yours!
LANTERN LADY's turn.
LANTERN LADY uses "Howl of Vengeful Fury" on EIRIN.
{INS + WLP} + 1 vs 12
{d8(5) + d10(4)} + 1 = 10 vs 12
MP: 120 => 115
It's a failure!
---
EIRIN'S turn.
EIRIN uses "Unarmed Strikes" on LANTERN LADY.
{DEX + MIG} + 2 vs 8
{d8(3) + d12(2)} + 2 = 7 vs 8
EIRIN spends Fabula Points to Invoke Trait "Vengeance."
{d8(4) + d12(2)} + 2 = 8 vs 8
FP: 3 => 2
It's a success!
LANTERN LADY suffers 14 physical damage.
{HR(4) + 10} = 14
HP: 52 => 38Before the Lantern Lady can deliver her attack, Eirin bolts upright, hefting the large log and swinging it like a bat. The blow strikes the Lantern Lady, sending her tumbling to the ground.
Izumi and Yana watch silently, mouths agape in bewilderment, as Eirin tosses the log aside as if it were nothing more than a stick.
YANA
Did—Did you just do that?EIRIN
(panting) I—I guess I did...IZUMI
A-amazing! This must've been the true strength of a titan centipede!LANTERN LADY
(quivering) Y-you... you MONSTER!!!
The Lantern Lady stumbles on her thatched feet as she rushes for the woods.
EIRIN
She's trying to escape!YANA
Nuh-uh! Not so fast grandma!
YANA's turn.
YANA uses "Ventus" on LANTERN LADY.
{INS + WLP} + 2 vs 8
{d8(1) + d10(3)} + 2 = 6 vs 8
MP: 25 => 15
YANA spends Fabula Points to Invoke Trait "Justice".
{d8(1) + d10(7)} + 2 = 10 vs 8
FP: 3 => 2
It's a success!
LANTERN LADY suffers 44 air damage.
{HR(7) + 15} * 2 (VU) = 22 * 2 = 44
HP: 38 => 0
LANTERN LADY surrenders!
Conflict scene ends.A magical wind bursts from Yana's staff, hurling the Lantern Lady into a tree with such force that it tears her thatched body apart—leaving only her red-soaked head somehow still intact.
The three girls slowly approach the head, which can now be heard wailing in lament.
LANTERN LADY
Why... why...? Even with such powers granted to me... why did I still failed them...? Failure! Failure! FAILURE! I'm such a terrible failure...EIRIN
.....IZUMI
Please, just rest in peace... There is no solace to be found in undeath.LANTERN LADY
How? How could I ever rest in peace... when those who wronged the titan centipedes—those who wronged me—get to live their lives in hubris! It's unfair!YANA
So how about those people who you killed—who you wronged—do you think it's fair for them?LANTERN LADY
THEY...! They... they're not—not... Nngh! Damn it! What's the point anyway?! It's—It's already over for me...EIRIN
Yet for me, it only just begun.LANTERN LADY
By the titan centipedes... why... why do you keep insisting on that lie...?EIRIN
Even after everything you've seen, do you still not believe me?LANTERN LADY
N-no... no. It cannot be... it... cannot... be...
Player asks a Fate Question:
"Will the LANTERN LADY leave them with any useful information?"
IZUMI spends Fabula Points to Alter the Story and declares the answer as "Yes."
FP: 3 => 2
Player seeks to Discover Meaning:
"What is the information about?"
Table: Cryptic Message
Mythic answers "Riches" and "Goal."Suddenly, a nearby bush rustles, and Bibu leaps out, landing on the thatched head before sinking his teeth into it and setting it ablaze.
The three take a step back in shock as the blaze grows bigger, consuming every last tuft of the thatchling. The head screams—not of pain, but of release.
LANTERN LADY
Aaah... the... the shrine...YANA
?LANTERN LADY
Greed... gluttony... heresy...EIRIN
.....LANTERN LADY
Moriyama... damn... them... all...IZUMI
!LANTERN LADY
Ahhh... my body... my... beautiful... body...
As the thatched body burns, a fading whisper rises amidst the crackling flames. Soon after, many more follow, echoing through the forest.
After a while, the fire dies out, and all that remains of the Lantern Lady is a pile of smoldering ashes.
Player removes "Lantern Lady", "Thatchling", and "Forbidden Forest" from the Characters List.
- Grandma (1)
- Kappa (1)
Player adds "Bibu" to the Characters List.
- Grandma (1)
- Kappa (1)
- Bibu (1)
Player removes "Defeat the Lantern Lady" and "Find a way out of the mysterious mist" from the Threads List.
-
Player adds "Investigate the shrine" to the Threads List.
- Investigate the shrine (1)Scene 8
Player tests the Expected Scene.
Chaos Factor: 5
Mythic declares it's an Altered Scene
Chaos Factor: 5 => 4
Player seeks for an Adventure Element.
Mythic answers "Pond."
Page: 45
Section: 5
---
BIBU rejoins IZUMI.
HP: 0 => 16 (Crisis!)CENTIPEDE SHRINE – DAWN
Bibu pops out from the pile of ashes and skitters his way to Izumi.
IZUMI
Bibu! You're safe!YANA
Told you the rat will be fine. He even got to have his revenge!EIRIN
Did... any of you catch what the lady was trying to say just now?YANA
Uhh... something about the shrine? Heresy? I don't know—it sounds like her usual ramblings.IZUMI
She mentioned a name, Moriyama. It sounds familiar...EIRIN
Why did she mention that name? Was she trying to tell us something?YANA
(shrug) Who knows? Doesn't really ring a bell for me. Maybe it's her lover's name or something.EIRIN
But... wasn't she damning the name?YANA
Well, she kinda struck me as someone who damns everyone.
The light of dawn peeks through the forest canopy, revealing the shrine's true nature—crumbling and dilapidated.
EIRIN
The shrine... somehow it doesn't look as grand as the first time we saw it...YANA
Heh, seems like her face is not the only thing she covered with illusion. Oh, talking about illusion—the mist is finally gone! We can go home now!IZUMI
I... feel like we should check out more of the shrine first.YANA
Eh... for what?IZUMI
Maybe we could find some more useful information about the titan centipedes.EIRIN
Agreed. As of right now, we don't really have much to go on.YANA
Yeah... you're right. I'd rather we didn't return empty-handed after all that.
EIRIN initiates an Open Group Check to "search through the shrine" with IZUMI and YANA's support.
{DEX + INS} vs Open
IZUMI performs a Support Check.
{d6(2) + d10(8)} = 10 vs 10
It's a success and grants a +1 bonus!
YANA performs a Support Check.
{d6(5) + d8(1)} = 6 vs 10
It's a failure!
EIRIN performs the final Check
{d8(7) + d8(5)} + 1 = 13 vs Open
It's a Detailed success!After several minutes of searching, Izumi sifts through a pile of tattered letters—most with faded writing—but finds one, less worn than the others, that remains legible. She reads it thoroughly, her brows furrowing, and just as her eyes reach the last line—Yana bursts in.
YANA
Aha! I've found it!IZUMI
What—What is it?!YANA
The titan centipede wine! It was hidden under the floorboards!IZUMI
Oh...YANA
You don't sound as excited as I thought you'd be.IZUMI
I'm not drinking that!YANA
Okay, okay, I get it. But hey, it's still a find, right? Anyway, you've been reading those letters for a while—found anything yet?IZUMI
I found something about the Moriyama...YANA
Oh?IZUMI
They're a family from the Old Coast that keeps a shrine for the titan centipedes—much like this one. But they sounded rather... ominous.YANA
Ominous how?IZUMI
Umm... I'll just read it for you.
"Dear Saki,
Please do not disregard this letter. We understand that these are difficult times for all of us, but we can no longer deny the truth. Change is upon us, and a new age of humanity approaches. We, the Moriyama family, as the first keepers of the titan centipedes, are honored to guide you through this transition. You are hereby summoned to the Old Coast Festival at summer's end. Consider this our final invitation.
Best regards,
Moriyama Noboru"
YANA
Huh, who's Saki?IZUMI
I think it might be the old lady's name... I just realised that we somehow never asked for her name...YANA
Yeah, but she also never introduced herself, so...IZUMI
A-anyway, from this letter, it seems like the Moriyama were also dealing with the titan centipedes' hunt, but they kind of... accepted it?YANA
Unlike Saki, I guess. Though, is that supposed to be a good thing or a bad thing?IZUMI
I'm... not sure... But at least now we know there's another centipede shrine at the Old Coast.YANA
You're thinking of going there, aren't you? Well, you'd better come up with a stronger excuse for Mom and Dad then~IZUMI
(sigh) I'll figure it out...YANA
By the way, where's Eirin?IZUMI
I thought she was with you?
The sliding door opens, revealing Eirin—her hair and clothes dripping wet.
IZUMI
W-why are you wet?EIRIN
I found a small body of water at the back of the shrine.YANA
You found a pond... and went for a swim?EIRIN
There was something at the bottom, so I decided to grab it.
Player seeks to Discover Meaning:
"What is it at the bottom of the pond?"
Table: Object
Mythic answers "Meaningful" and "Heavy."Eirin holds up the object she found—a glossy black shard with a shimmering orange hue.
EIRIN
I didn't notice it at first, but then... I felt like it was calling to me...YANA
That's a pretty stone. Not sure if it worth diving for though.IZUMI
T-that's not a stone. It's a carapace! A titan centipede's carapace!!! O-or at least it could be...YANA
Really? I thought they were supposed to be mountain-sized?IZUMI
That is true... buttt this could just be a small shard of it. C-can I hold it?EIRIN
Here, it's quite heavy though—IZUMI
WHOA!
As soon as the shard passes from Eirin's hand into Izumi's, it immediately plummets, knocking Izumi prone before smashing right through the rotten floorboards.
EIRIN
(gasp) Sorry!IZUMI
Yeah... it definitely is... ow...YANA
Well, now we know who'll be carrying it.
EIRIN acquires "Shard of Titan Centipede Carapace"!
Artifact"The things capable of piercing the heavy carapace of a titan centipede are next to none, and for ages, they were deemed nearly invincible. Yet their extinction at the hands of humans proves otherwise. Some believe, however, that their titanic souls take longer to pass through the stream of souls—so long, in fact, that fragments of them may linger to this day."
The morning sun rises as they leave the shrine with their findings in hand.
YANA
Alright, time to head home!IZUMI
We were gone the entire night... Dad's definitely going to kill us...EIRIN
What?!IZUMI
N-not literally! I meant... our Dad will definitely scold us.YANA
Don't worry, I've already come up with a plan! Now, does anyone remember which way we came from?EIRIN & IZUMI
Uhm...
Player asks a Fate Question:
"Will the kappa from before come and help them?"
IZUMI spends Fabula Points to Alter the Story and declares the answer as "Yes."
FP: 2 => 1YANA
I... guess we have no choice but to pick a direction and—
A small, green, webbed hand tugs at Izumi's clothes from below. She looks down in shock to see the familiar face of a turtle-like creature
IZUMI
Ah! What the—Oh! Mr. Kappa!KAPPA
Humans... did it... the mist... gone.YANA
Where did he come from?KAPPA
Here... for you...
The kappa hands each of them a ripe, plump, freshly-picked cucumber.
IZUMI
Aww, thank you!YANA
Where did he get these?EIRIN
.....?IZUMI
Can you help us, Mr. Kappa? We trying to find our way home.KAPPA
(nods) Follow me.IZUMI
There you go. Come on everyone!YANA
(shrugs) I'm not going to question it anymore...EIRIN
So uh, what is this... thing?YANA
It's a cucumber, princess. You can eat it.EIRIN
So these are land cucumbers?YANA
What...?IZUMI
Oh yeah, not to be confused with sea cucumbers, these cucumbers are actually a plant! And...
And thus, the trio find their way out of the Forbidden Forest, led by the kappa and accompanied by a fruitful discussion of both land and sea cucumbers.
YANA performs a Check to "persuade GRANDMA to cover for them."
{INS + WLP} vs 7
{d8(7) + d10(1)} = 8 vs 7
It's a success!IZUMI & YANA'S HOUSE – NOON
A small modest house—much like the others around it—comes into view. Yana knocks on the door, and it swings open to reveal a thin man with sage-green hair.
DAD
Yana! Izumi! Where have you—M-mother?!GRANDMA
You look surprised.DAD
Ah—I mean... it's been quite a while.YANA
Hi Dad! We were just back from Grandma's place.DAD
You stayed there for the night? But you told me you would be back by the evening.YANA
We did, buttt... Grandma won't let us home after Izumi passed out from eating too much.
Izumi nods nervously, forcing an awkward smile.
DAD
Mother... you... cooked for them?GRANDMA
Of course, anything for my beloved granddaughter... and her friends.DAD
I-I see... that's a relief! I was just... getting worried there, haha. Oh! Would you like to join us for lunch? We have—GRANDMA
No.DAD
O-okay. Perhaps some other time, then! So uh... you're coming in, girls?YANA
Later, we want to say goodbye to Grandma first.
They huddle at the gate, where Yana slyly slips the bottle of titan centipede wine to Grandma.
YANA
That was quite a performance, Grandma~GRANDMA
You're lucky you returned with something worthwhile. And you don't get to call me "Grandma"—got it?YANA
Okayyy~ Enjoy your drink~
Grandma hurries off, barely concealing the glee on her face.
YANA
I'll see you inside. I'm starving.IZUMI
Eirin, tonight's as usual, alright? Same time, same way.EIRIN
Understood.
They make their way inside the house as time passes and the sun begins its descent.
Resting scene begins!
EIRIN recovers all of their HP & MP.
HP: 62 => 65
IZUMI recovers all of their HP & MP.
MP: 45 => 75
YANA recovers all of their HP & MP.
MP: 25 => 65
BIBU recovers all of their HP & MP.
HP: 16 => 32
MP: 35 => 45IZUMI & YANA'S ROOM – NIGHT
A bunk bed stands in the corner of a small, messy room. The bottom bunk lies almost bare, with its pillows and blankets strewn across the floor, while on the top bunk, a row of stuffed animals sits arranged like watchful deities. A nearby chair is buried under a pile of half-dirty laundry, and the table is stacked with books of varying sizes. Hidden beneath the bed is a metal canister—partly filled with ash—where a fire rat nestles, doubling as an improvised heater.
Yana peeks from the top bunk, watching Izumi on the floor as she reaches under the bed to tend to Bibu.
YANA
Can't believe this room's not caught on fire yet.IZUMI
Shush. I've told you—Bibu can control his fire, so quit worrying.YANA
Uh-huh, what if he's not in a good mood though?IZUMI
Can't be any worse than when you are.
A knock on the window cuts their banter short. Izumi hurries to open it, and Eirin scrambles inside.
EIRIN
I hope l didn't interrupt anything.YANA
Nah, it's fine. Mom and Dad just went to sleep.IZUMI
We've talked to them. They agreed to take us to the Old Coast Festival tomorrow!YANA
Dad almost couldn't believe you asked for it. 'Cause the last time you agreed to go there was like... seven years ago.IZUMI
(sighs) It's not like I really want to go, but... our next clue about the titan centipedes is over there, so...EIRIN
Izumi.IZUMI
Yes?EIRIN
Why are you doing this again?IZUMI
D-do what?EIRIN
Helping me... with everything.IZUMI
It's—It's for my research...EIRIN
And you're willing to risk your life for it?IZUMI
C-come on, it's not that—YANA
It is. You almost died, Izumi... and it's kind of my fault...IZUMI
N-no it's not! If you weren't there, we... we wouldn't have made it back!YANA
Still... I could've done better.IZUMI
You've done enough, Yana... A-actually, I'm the one who should've done more.YANA
Yeahhh, even the rat pulls up more weight than you, nerd!IZUMI
S-shut up!
Yana preemptively throws a pillow at Izumi's face, but Izumi instantly retaliates by throwing it back. Eirin, who's just watching, can't help but let out a soft chuckle at the sisters' antics.
EIRIN
My mother used to tell me stories... about how terribly cruel and evil the "land-dwellers" are...IZUMI & YANA
.....EIRIN
And in a way, she is right, but... after meeting you two, it can't all be true, can it?YANA
Nah. It's only like... 70% of us who are bad people.IZUMI
T-there's no number like that!YANA
Maybe not... but it sure feels that way sometimes. Doesn't it?IZUMI
There... may be a lot of bad people in this world, but even a few good ones can make up for it—make life worth fighting for! That's why—that's why you hold them close... and never let go.EIRIN
.....YANA
That... was a nice talk. But uh, I'm getting sleepy, so... goodnight.IZUMI
Goodnight... Are you also going to sleep, Eirin?EIRIN
Y-yes. And I'm fine sleeping on the floor, so you can—IZUMI
Nope. The floor is mine. You sleep on the bed. Okay?EIRIN
O-okay... goodnight.IZUMI
Goodnight... Sweet dreams, Bibu.
The light goes out, the room falls into darkness—save for the faint red glow beneath the bed—and the three girls lie in silence.
Eirin holds out the carapace shard, its orange shimmer faintly visible even in the dark. She eyes it for a moment before setting it beside her head—its weight presses heavily into the mattress as she closes her eyes and drifts into sleep.
Resting scene ends.
EIRIN creates a new Bond towards IZUMI with "Loyalty"
IZUMI creates a new Bond towards YANA with "Inferiority"
YANA creates a new Bond towards IZUMI with "Affection"
---
Game Master scene begins!
Player seeks to Discover Meaning:
"What happen in this scene?"
Table: Action
Mythic answers "Block" and "Project."THE DRAGON PALACE – NIGHT
An arched door creaks open, revealing a dark, murky chamber. At the far end, an elaborate throne of twisted corals looms, a shadowy figure seated atop it, motionless. A girl steps inside, her features obscured by darkness. Head bowed, her posture is rigid with tension as she speaks.
???
Your Majesty... we have scoured every corner of the Dragon Sea, yet the princess is nowhere to be found...
The figure atop the throne shifts, the jagged silhouette of his large antlers cutting through the gloom. His voice rumbles like thunder as he speaks.
DRAGON KING
Then there is no more doubt. She is hiding on the land.???
The land?! Among the land-dwellers?! Surely she wouldn't be able to survive up there...DRAGON KING
She's alive. Her presence may be beyond my reach, but her life force remains—somewhere in this world.???
Shall we send the army? To each and every shore?DRAGON KING
No, it's not time yet. The ritual takes precedence, and for that, we need the princess.???
Then... what shall we do, Your Majesty?DRAGON KING
This is where I need you.???
Me...? A-apologies, Your Majesty, but I'm afraid I don't understand...DRAGON KING
You shall venture to the land and retrieve the princess for me.???
B-but why... why me?! Why—
The Dragon King rises from his throne, and the girl immediately drops to her knees as he draws near.
???
F-forgive me! I shouldn't have questioned you, Your Majesty. I-I shall do it... I—
He rests his hand on the her shoulder, almost tenderly. Wide-eyed, she looks up, her short, wavy white hair catching the dim light.
DRAGON KING
You are chosen, for you're the only one who can accomplish it, Marin, my dear daughter.MARIN
D-daughter...? You've never—DRAGON KING
You are gifted with a fraction of my power. You can sense her presence, bend the sea and storm to your command. And with these, you shall bring her back to me. Alive.MARIN
I... I understand... For you, I shall scour every last bit of land! Every shore! Every coast! Every—DRAGON KING
Unnecessary. The moment the princess touches the sea again—even the slightest drop—her whereabouts will be revealed to me. We only need to wait.MARIN
But... what if she never does?DRAGON KING
She will—she has to. For she is sea-born, and it is only a matter of time...
Game Master scene ends.
EIRIN receives 2 Fabula Points from Villain entrance!
FP: 2 => 4
IZUMI receives 2 Fabula Points from Villain entrance!
FP: 1 => 3
YANA receives 2 Fabula Points from Villain entrance!
FP: 2 => 4
---
Player removes "Grandma" and "Kappa" from the Characters List.
-
Player adds "Dad", "Dragon King", and "Marin" to the Characters List.
- Dad (1)
- Dragon King (1)
- Marin (1)
Player removes "Investigate the shrine" from the Threads List.
-
Player adds "Visit the centipede shrine at the Old Coast" to the Threads List.
- Visit the centipede shrine at the Old Coast (1)
---
Session ends.
UP Spent: 5
FP Spent: 6
EIRIN receives 12 XP!
XP: 5 => 17
EIRIN levels up!
XP: 17 => 7
LVL: 5 => 6
MAX HP: 65 => 66
MAX MP: 35 => 36
EIRIN acquires the Skill "Thereomorphosis" with "Placophora."
Thereomorphosis [2] => [3]
Mutant LVL: 4 => 5
IZUMI receives 12 XP!
XP: 5 => 17
IZUMI levels up!
XP: 17 => 7
LVL: 5 => 6
MAX HP: 35 => 36
MAX MP: 75 => 76
IZUMI acquires the Skill "Spiritual Magic" with "Barrier."
Spiritual Magic [2] => [3]
Spiritist LVL: 2 => 3
YANA receives 12 XP!
XP: 5 => 17
YANA levels up!
XP: 17 => 7
LVL: 5 => 6
MAX HP: 45 => 46
MAX MP: 65 => 66
YANA acquires the Skill "Cataclysm."
Cataclysm [0] => [1]
Elementalist LVL: 4 => 5You can navigate through the actual-play here:
