July 11, 2025 • 27 mins
The Lake: Tale of the Manticore is a hybrid solo-actualplay D&D game and full production audiodrama. I use Dungeons & Dragons B/X (OSR). This is a dark fantasy tale made for a mature audience.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi, I am Terry Ironwood, author of the Great Forget
Fantasy series. You are listening to Tale of the Manticor.
The following podcast is intended for a mature audience. Listener
discretion is advised. Welcome back to Tale of the Manticor
(00:31):
Season three. Like the creature from which it takes its name,
Tale of the Manticor is a mashup, a cross breeding
between two different species of storytelling. Here you will find
the unpredictability of old school paper and dice games with
the story craft of a dark fantasy novel. No character
is sacred and none will be spared if the dice
(00:52):
decide their fate is at hand. According to Laura, the
Tale of a Manticor is barbed with cruel irons. There
will be much pain in the days ahead. Last time
(01:14):
on Tale of the Manticor, in chapter twenty seven, the PCs,
who are running low on food, have some good fortune
and manage to kill a black grouse. The bird will
provide sustenance for a couple of days. However, as the
miles go by, Water claims the title of most pressing issue.
The companions have just finished the last of theirs when
(01:34):
something unexpected happens while in a forest of spruce, maple,
and birch to come across a clearing with a fallen
log a top. The log is a broken arrow during
he recognizes it right away as an elfin peace token
or friendship marker. When he picks it up, an unknown
Elf walks into the clearing from the other side. He
(01:55):
introduces himself as Cullin and warning the companions that he
has two dozen archers hidden in the trees, proceeds to
question de Renni. Before long, they meet a second Elf, Zotopi,
is Colin's sister and the only other female of her
race that Achillea has ever seen. When the pair question
fair Wind, asking if he comes from a place called Droth,
(02:16):
Achillia suddenly remember something. Chapter twenty eight, Part one day
twenty four, one week from their destination evening mythic event
meaning transform wounds. Party status. Achillea nine of nine hit points,
(02:44):
Court fourteen of fourteen, de Renni twelve of twelve, ten
Tier thirteen of fifteen, fair Wind eighteen of eighteen supplies.
The companions have eight portions of food and no water.
Remaining spells available. Achillie can cast shrink times two and
(03:10):
glitter dust court can cast, entangle and slow poison.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Once upon a time, the small village of Drowth, there
was a fletcher named Tobar who spent long hours crafting
arrows from dawn and to thems.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
Poppy's voice was as clear in Achilia's head as if
he were standing right beside her.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
What is this place de Roath, she found herself asking,
isn't new here to the north.
Speaker 4 (03:39):
It is a human settlement built into the caves to
the northwest, replied Calin the dorothi are said to be
unpredictable folk, though my sister and I have never been there,
nor have we met any of their number.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
Achillia grew hopeful this de Roth could be where Odok lived.
In fact, that seemed very likely. She thrust her arm
into her satchel and pulled out the sketch book. The
elf named Klin had already said he didn't know the
name Odok Zygog, but he might well recognize some of
the places illustrated within his book. Flipping from page to page,
(04:13):
she showed the bemused pair of elves, each drawing in turn,
but every illustration received only puzzled shakes of their heads.
Despite that her optimism was undiminished.
Speaker 3 (04:24):
How far away is dress?
Speaker 1 (04:26):
She asked? Four days? Was the Toby's reply, four days,
and to the northwest, not the north And the distance
was a little less than Valken had given them to expect,
But it was not so far off Valkin could have
overestimated or misremembered. So Toobe's beautiful moss green eyes were
now fixed on Achillia. Her mouth bunched up into a pout,
(04:49):
as though she were deciding whether or not to ask
a question. Finally, her curiosity must have won out, because
she suddenly asked, forgive my ignorance? But her gaze flickered
from Fairwind to the Elvin brothers, than to Chord, and
then back to Achilia. What manner of being? Are you this? Again?
Achilia felt her face flush. She really did not have
(05:12):
an answer. What made it so much worse was that
she was standing beside an actual man made of wood.
How could they be more unsure of her than him?
Words aside, Zytope's features in shape made Achilia hurt inside.
This was the first female elf she had ever met,
and while beautiful and exotic, Zotope did not look anything
(05:33):
like herself. Achillia's sense of identity had been slipping for
some time, but meeting Zeotope threatened to dislodge it completely.
For this reason, Achillie was silent while the brothers talked
with Colin and his sister Over the next little while
Cordon Fairwind, who could not understand the elving tongue, were
necessarily excluded from the conversation. The four elves exchanged information
(05:56):
about the topography of the surrounding area, including directions to
a nearby lake. They also discussed potential threats and even
made a trade. Tantier gave his elegantly curved Elvin sword
to Colin and receive several packages of food in return.
When their business was settled, everyone said their goodbyes, and
Colin and Zotope walked off into the woods. Achillie watched
(06:18):
with renewed amazement as the young woman's elaborately woven cloak
made the illusion of the undergrowth and surrounding woods, swallowing
her up. I wasn't sure what the pieces would learn
from Colin and Zotope, but it seemed reasonable after that
reaction role that they would come away with some information.
So what do do this? Brother and sister know that
(06:40):
they'd be willing to share. Determining that at random wouldn't
make much sense because I'd already committed to a number
of truths. They knew where to find a growth, but
they didn't recognize Oduke's name or his drawings. This tells
me that they're familiar with this region, but only up
to a point. The seven of them are about the
right size for a scouting party, so I can also
say that the Novar Wood tribe's home is not too
(07:03):
far away. It follows that they would nowhere to find water,
and also about any dangers the party might face on
their travels. To represent this, I'll give them advantage on
the next couple of wandering encounter rolls. They also give
some food, eight portions of preserved rations, sounds about right,
and directions to a lake. If you're wondering why Colin
and Zotope were not especially shocked to meet Court, I
(07:25):
actually do have an answer, but I'm keeping that card
face down for now. With all that said, I'll proceed
with the hex's crawls for the next day, as the
pieces change course and head northwest for weather on day
twenty five, The fifteen is a fair summer day, stumble
upon ten nothing there for foraging. That two means they
(07:48):
do find some food, a handful of brown mushrooms growing
out of a rotten tree trunk. Four portions of food
are added to the PC's supply. The next check is
for wandering encounters, but this one will be made with advantage,
rolling two D six and taking the lowest A three
and A four no encounters. The party reaches the lake
on the evening of day twenty five, unhindered and more
(08:10):
or less in good spirits. Chapter twenty eight, Part two,
Day twenty five, three days from deroth evening mythic event
(08:30):
meaning transform wounds. Party status achillea nine out of nine
hit points, court fourteen of fourteen, dur any twelve of twelve,
ten tier fourteen of fifteen. After receiving one point of
(08:51):
natural healing fair wind eighteen of eighteen supplies, the companions
have sixteen portions of food and no water. Remaining spells
available Achillea can cast shrink times two and glitter dust
cord can cast entangle and slow poison. The lake lay
(09:19):
shimmering under the declining summer sun. It surfaced a deep
crystalline blue that mirrored the cloudless sky. A few lonely
pines and spruces lined the shore, with their branches swaying gently,
and wild flowers clustered in shades of purple, yellow, and red.
The shoreline was a rocky one, but this did not
stop the companions from pulling off their boots, shaking them out,
(09:42):
and stepping into the cold water, making sounds of shock
and relief. A Cord observed this, and he too waded
into the lake, choosing a flat rock by the edge
to sit on. Robin, always on his shoulder, jabbered trills
into his painted ear. Companions had refreshed themselves and slight
their thirst. They each took a seat on the ground
(10:04):
by the bank, even with a few hours of daylight remaining.
By unspoken consensus, it was clear that they would end
the day's travel here in this place of tranquil beauty.
During the last hours of daylight, they kept their own
counsel with dur Annian tent here, choosing to swim while
Fairwind and Achillie read from their respective books. Achilie found
(10:26):
it hard to concentrate on hers, however, as her mind
kept drifting back to Aldvay. Had he used the name
de Roath in the Fletcher's fable as a kind of
private joke. It wouldn't be much out of character for him,
Achillie decided. Just then the thought crossed her mind. Might
Altvay have traveled the same route she had had he
drank from miss Lake, visited to Kymore Ruins or the
(10:48):
lands of the Black Cloud tribe on his way to
the place he eventually called home. No, she admitted to herself,
it was unlikely he would have had no reason to
go from one place to the other in a straight
line as she had. More probably he would have followed
the river as long as possible, perhaps even by boat,
and by his nature, Aldve would have taken pains to
avoid any encounters. She looked over at Cord, sitting with
(11:12):
his wooden feet in the water. Robin was still prattling
at him, and the sight made her smile. Gratitude welled
up in her breast. How lucky she was to have
such good friends. In the morning, Achillie awoke to find
(11:36):
Cord still sitting in the exact same position on the
natural rock seat he had taken up the previous evening.
He had one hand held out over the water with
his first and second fingers spread in a v. Upon
hearing Achille awake, he twisted his body to look over
and approached her. Immediately, she could see that his appearance
had changed. His feet and right hand now had small
(11:58):
leaves sprouting from them, and light patches of bark had
appeared on his body in random places. Overnight, Cod, you've
changed again, said Achilia, looking her friend up and down.
She touched one of the leaves on the back of
his hand. It was while she was admiring his newest
transformation that the others roused and began to roll up
their packs for the day's travel. When Achilia went to
(12:21):
pick up her water skin, Cord took it from her
and threw it away. Cord, I need that, you know,
she went and fetched it.
Speaker 3 (12:30):
What has gotten into you?
Speaker 1 (12:31):
Cord could not give an answer, but once again he
took the water skin from her hands and threw it away.
By now the rest of the party was watching Cod,
Achillia said again, reproachfully. When she turned to once again
fetched the discarded container, Cord stopped her with a firm
hand on her shoulder. He motioned to her to follow
(12:51):
him as he walked on twenty paces away from the
lake shore, spread the fingers of his right hand in
a V and passed it over the ground as if
scanning for something. After a moment, he stopped, touched the ground,
and before Achille's eyes, a little spring of water spurred
it up from the ground. Let's talk about Chord for
(13:17):
a moment. Today is an important episode for the Man
of Wood, because today he achieves level four, he'll get
a D six of new hit points. Rolling for that
a four could be worse fourteen hit points improves to eighteen.
The construct doesn't have stats, so there's no chances for increase,
which brings us to Druidic special abilities and spells for abilities.
(13:38):
He's supposed to get a new Sylvan language for each
level above second, but since that doesn't make much sense
for Cord, I'm going to make some minor improvements in
his connection with Robin. Since reaching level three, Cord has
been able to understand Robin when the bird talks, but
for this level, I'm going to allow him to talk
back telepathically over very short distances. I should mention that
(13:59):
at the point Robin still doesn't have much intelligence and
can't carry out complex tasks but it might be able
to communicate a warning if there was danger nearby. Something
like that. Okay, that brings us to new spells. Rolling
a D eight for this gives me create water. Well,
I bet you guessed that one, and yes I did
go back and write the previous section after rolling up
(14:21):
this spell. A quick reminder here that I am not
allowing Cord to pick and choose his spells the way
an actual druid could. Every day his spent powers renewed
the same as the day before. Although the companions were
reluctant to believe the sanctuary of the lake with all
(14:42):
its beauty and comforts behind, by late morning they had
done just that. They resumed their original single file marching
order would tendere in the lead. The young elf, who
was now fully healed, albeit wearing scars and carrying himself
with a somewhat less imbuilliant demeanor, had insisted The day's
march passed with that incident, and the sun had shriveled
(15:02):
to a red dot above a ridge to the west.
By the time the companions came together to talk and
make plans for the near future. Three more days should
do it, said der Annie.
Speaker 5 (15:12):
We've nearly reached the end of your quest, Achilia. I
was wondering, have you thought about what you might say
to this odo oak person when you meet him?
Speaker 1 (15:22):
Achilie I realized she hadn't.
Speaker 3 (15:24):
If he's willing to talk, I'll listen. If he isn't,
I'll make him.
Speaker 6 (15:29):
I would like to talk with all of you.
Speaker 1 (15:32):
Ferwind had declared once they made.
Speaker 6 (15:34):
Camp, Achilia, if you would be so kind as to translate,
she said she would.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
I how should I begin, said the cleric in an
unsteady voice.
Speaker 6 (15:44):
Achilie and Cord, you will remember that the wraith of
Queen Anaya spoke a name. It was a name I
did not wish to hear. Harlowe was a novice who
was assigned and indeed entrusted to my care and tutelage.
The Queen accused me of failing this person, and perhaps
(16:06):
perhaps I did. But I wish to.
Speaker 1 (16:09):
Have no secrets from you. Sherwind waited while Achillia translated
the words to DURRANI intent here. Then he continued.
Speaker 6 (16:17):
When I came to the land of the Camors and
took up residence in the ruins of the chapel.
Speaker 1 (16:23):
Harlow was with me but.
Speaker 6 (16:27):
Ah, he died on the very first night we arrived,
and after that I lived there alone with his memory
and the knowledge that I am. I might have saved
him had I only been more careful. It is a
(16:48):
thing that weighs heavily upon me and I I just
wanted you all to know.
Speaker 1 (17:03):
Later, when they had all unfurled their bed rolls and
Tenter and Fairwind were snoring softly, achillea poke to Rennie
with a finger.
Speaker 5 (17:11):
Are no, I'm awake, What is on your mind?
Speaker 3 (17:16):
I too have something to tell, but only to you
De Rennie.
Speaker 1 (17:20):
The elf turned over so that he faced her, and
their noses were only a few inches apart. All right.
After Fairwind had made his confessions to the group, Achilia
had decided that it was time to unburden her own conscience,
at least to De Rennie, who she knew had been
upset with her since the battle with the dire Wolves.
Even though she had rehearsed it in her head for
the last ten minutes, the truth was harder to say
(17:43):
than she expected. When it came to saying it aloud,
De Rennie, you know.
Speaker 3 (17:48):
I have a confession. I guess it's a confession.
Speaker 1 (17:53):
De Rennie said nothing and simply waited for her to continue.
Speaker 3 (17:57):
The thing is that I'm quite a bit younger than you.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
Intent here there was a pause, and then I know, No.
Speaker 3 (18:05):
You don't understand. I mean, I'm only twenty one years old.
Speaker 5 (18:11):
I have known for some time. I heard you tell Valcan.
Speaker 1 (18:15):
When he asked, Achilia had not expected that. She was
silent for a few seconds before she asked, does tend
to no?
Speaker 5 (18:23):
No, I have said nothing.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
But what do you think it means?
Speaker 5 (18:28):
I wish I knew, Achilia, But I am afraid I
have no idea.
Speaker 1 (18:35):
He turned away so that he was looking straight up
at the sky and said.
Speaker 5 (18:38):
I suppose it does not really matter. Try to get
some sleep.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
And just like that, I'm back to making X rolls,
although this time around I am adding a wrinkle. When
I roll for weather, a fifteen or bitter will trigger
some thing in the narrative. Here comes the role the
nine decent summer weather. But that's all, okay. Next up
is stumble Upon. I've got an eighteen no result for
(19:12):
foraging A one means the companions are lucky yet again.
Ten Tier manages to shoot a squirrel for their dinner. Finally,
the chance for a wandering encounter. The party still benefits
from Cullen and Zotope's advice and will get advantage one
last time. Rolling two D six and taking the lowest
number gives me a two and a six Luckily no encounter.
(19:43):
Chapter twenty eight, Part three, Day twenty seven, one day
from drowth after noon mythic event meaning transform wounds. Party
status Achillea nine nine hit points, Cord eighteen of eighteen,
(20:05):
de Reni twelve of twelve, ten Tier fifteen at of fifteen.
After receiving one point of natural healing fair wind eighteen
of eighteen. Supplies, the companions have twelve portions of food.
Water will no longer be tracked so long as Cord
is able to create it magically. Spells available. Achillea can
(20:29):
cast shrink times two and glitter dust. Cord can cast
entangle and slow poison. Somewhat dubious. Both Durni and Tantier
had held onto their water skins after Chord's demonstration, but
the construct had repeated the trick the next day and
(20:49):
the day after that too. Finally, the siblings had allowed
that Cord really could provide for them, and their skins
now hung at their belts empty. Presently, the party was
making their way over a hillside strewn haphazardly with boulders,
legs and backs ached, and stomachs grumbled. Lunch had been
the last pieces of Dernnie's grouse, that, despite having been
(21:11):
blessed by fair wind, no longer tasted very good. When
the group redged the top of the hill, they stopped
to catch their breath. Even though Tantier had the best
eye sight, it was Achillie who noticed it first.
Speaker 3 (21:24):
Now, that is truly something.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
In the distance. Cutting a jagged line against the sky
was a mountain range, its outline soft and indistinct, pale
purple peaks dissolved into the clouds, floating like memories on
the horizon. Even from so far away, the mountains held
an air of mystery and familiarity. Achillia knew the shape
of those mountains well by now, after having studied the
(21:49):
sketches in odok Zagog's book of drawings so many times.
This view was not represented among the pictures in accolation,
but the shape of the mountains was unmistakable. All the
party members agreed that it was truly something to behold,
and for a few minutes, they simply stood and took
it in. This brings us to day twenty eight, once
(22:14):
again rolling for weather, with the same chance for a
trigger event at nineteen. Okay, noted next is stumble upon.
A twelve is nothing forging. A six is a failure,
but the pieces have some supplies now, so this is
not particularly worrisome. A wandering encounter roll is next, with
no advantage this time, so a five or six means
(22:37):
potential danger. Here's the role. Well, okay. Then the mountains
came back into view every time they crested a hill
all that day, lifting the companion's spirits with every reappearance.
At night, Durani chose a huge spruce for them to
(22:57):
sleep under. The companions pushed its fall needles into soft
mattresses and slept soundly while Cord and Robin kept watch.
In the morning, the party members collected their belongings and
continued their trek to the northwest. Hilly landscapes rolled and dipped.
The air was freshly tinged with the scent of earth,
(23:17):
and the quiet sounds of nature filled the space. There
was nothing but the occasional chirp of a bird or
hum of a bee, and the sound of their steps
in the grass. Late in the morning, a great forest
came into view. Like the previous, it was a mix
of spruce, maple, and birch. The trees here were huge
and ancient, and they clung to a dramatic terrain of
(23:38):
steep crests and deep gullies.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
I think that's where we'll signed de.
Speaker 1 (23:42):
Ros, said Achillia, smiling and pointing up at some hills
a few miles off. Her heart was full with optimism
and resolve. She would find this Odok and make him
undo whatever he had done her Vopy. She just knew
she could do it. They were trudging up a steep
ridge when auready up ahead suddenly exclaimed Chief Chins Breed Dad.
(24:05):
Burst was immediately followed by the sound of the elf
drawing his sword. Thank you for listening to Tale of
the Manticord. If you would like to help to support
the show, there are lots of ways to do so.
You can recommend the show online or to friends. You
could like and repost episode announcements on social media. You
can pick up one of my offerings on drive through RPG,
(24:26):
like my new one Shot in the Dark expansion module
or maker kit You can also buy a Tale of
the Manticore t shirt at www. Dot bear Arts dot store,
and there is now a second design available in response
to listener requests to have one without all the blood. Finally,
you can rate or view the show on your podcast
of choice. I'm very grateful for your support. At this point,
I'd like to share a listener review.
Speaker 6 (24:48):
This one was.
Speaker 1 (24:48):
Left by Obadiah on Castbox. Obadiah writes, I love this show.
I've binge to listen to the first season, but then
had to take a long break before I could switch
to the second, as I'd grown to love the care
aracters in the first now nearing the end of season
two and am dreading its end. Keep up the gray work.
You're inspiring a long time player of RPG's to keep
(25:08):
on with trying my hand at solo play. Hey, Obadiah,
I can't tell you how much it inspires and encourages me.
Why reader of you like yours? In a medium where
most communication goes one way, it means a lot to
hear that my stories and characters are striking a chord
with listeners out there in the world. So thanks for
giving me that validation. I really appreciate it, and of
course good luck with your own solo games. I am
(25:31):
also indebted to my amazing cast of actors. This episode
features Ky Ellen and David Cooper as Dorenni and Ferwynd,
and in the role of Klin and Zotope. It's Moses Boyagian,
the creator of Willowna's Cave YouTube channel and morg stromer
of Crypti Creations. Thanks to all of this episode's actors.
For those curious to learn a bit more about Tale
of the Manticor, I keep a blog where I post
(25:53):
all kinds of show and ARPACH related stuff like art, maps, tables, crafts,
and show notes. You could find it a Tale of
the Manticor dot blogspot dot com. To get in test
with me, I'm at Tale of Themanticor dot Blue Sky
dot Social Tale of the Manticor podcast on Instagram, or
Tale of Themanicor at gmail dot com. Our new network website,
Solo Roleplayers Network dot com has been live since mid May.
(26:15):
Please have a look and sample something new if you're
so inclined. The adventure will continue on the next episode
or Tale of the Manticor It's the story. We're Chaos roles.
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I'm John from Tale of the Manticore.
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See you there.
Hi, I am Terry Ironwood, author of the Great Forget
Fantasy series. You are listening to Tale of the Manticor.
The following podcast is intended for a mature audience. Listener
discretion is advised. Welcome back to Tale of the Manticor
(00:31):
Season three. Like the creature from which it takes its name,
Tale of the Manticor is a mashup, a cross breeding
between two different species of storytelling. Here you will find
the unpredictability of old school paper and dice games with
the story craft of a dark fantasy novel. No character
is sacred and none will be spared if the dice
(00:52):
decide their fate is at hand. According to Laura, the
Tale of a Manticor is barbed with cruel irons. There
will be much pain in the days ahead. Last time
(01:14):
on Tale of the Manticor, in chapter twenty seven, the PCs,
who are running low on food, have some good fortune
and manage to kill a black grouse. The bird will
provide sustenance for a couple of days. However, as the
miles go by, Water claims the title of most pressing issue.
The companions have just finished the last of theirs when
(01:34):
something unexpected happens while in a forest of spruce, maple,
and birch to come across a clearing with a fallen
log a top. The log is a broken arrow during
he recognizes it right away as an elfin peace token
or friendship marker. When he picks it up, an unknown
Elf walks into the clearing from the other side. He
(01:55):
introduces himself as Cullin and warning the companions that he
has two dozen archers hidden in the trees, proceeds to
question de Renni. Before long, they meet a second Elf, Zotopi,
is Colin's sister and the only other female of her
race that Achillea has ever seen. When the pair question
fair Wind, asking if he comes from a place called Droth,
(02:16):
Achillia suddenly remember something. Chapter twenty eight, Part one day
twenty four, one week from their destination evening mythic event
meaning transform wounds. Party status. Achillea nine of nine hit points,
(02:44):
Court fourteen of fourteen, de Renni twelve of twelve, ten
Tier thirteen of fifteen, fair Wind eighteen of eighteen supplies.
The companions have eight portions of food and no water.
Remaining spells available. Achillie can cast shrink times two and
(03:10):
glitter dust court can cast, entangle and slow poison.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Once upon a time, the small village of Drowth, there
was a fletcher named Tobar who spent long hours crafting
arrows from dawn and to thems.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
Poppy's voice was as clear in Achilia's head as if
he were standing right beside her.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
What is this place de Roath, she found herself asking,
isn't new here to the north.
Speaker 4 (03:39):
It is a human settlement built into the caves to
the northwest, replied Calin the dorothi are said to be
unpredictable folk, though my sister and I have never been there,
nor have we met any of their number.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
Achillia grew hopeful this de Roth could be where Odok lived.
In fact, that seemed very likely. She thrust her arm
into her satchel and pulled out the sketch book. The
elf named Klin had already said he didn't know the
name Odok Zygog, but he might well recognize some of
the places illustrated within his book. Flipping from page to page,
(04:13):
she showed the bemused pair of elves, each drawing in turn,
but every illustration received only puzzled shakes of their heads.
Despite that her optimism was undiminished.
Speaker 3 (04:24):
How far away is dress?
Speaker 1 (04:26):
She asked? Four days? Was the Toby's reply, four days,
and to the northwest, not the north And the distance
was a little less than Valken had given them to expect,
But it was not so far off Valkin could have
overestimated or misremembered. So Toobe's beautiful moss green eyes were
now fixed on Achillia. Her mouth bunched up into a pout,
(04:49):
as though she were deciding whether or not to ask
a question. Finally, her curiosity must have won out, because
she suddenly asked, forgive my ignorance? But her gaze flickered
from Fairwind to the Elvin brothers, than to Chord, and
then back to Achilia. What manner of being? Are you this? Again?
Achilia felt her face flush. She really did not have
(05:12):
an answer. What made it so much worse was that
she was standing beside an actual man made of wood.
How could they be more unsure of her than him?
Words aside, Zytope's features in shape made Achilia hurt inside.
This was the first female elf she had ever met,
and while beautiful and exotic, Zotope did not look anything
(05:33):
like herself. Achillia's sense of identity had been slipping for
some time, but meeting Zeotope threatened to dislodge it completely.
For this reason, Achillie was silent while the brothers talked
with Colin and his sister Over the next little while
Cordon Fairwind, who could not understand the elving tongue, were
necessarily excluded from the conversation. The four elves exchanged information
(05:56):
about the topography of the surrounding area, including directions to
a nearby lake. They also discussed potential threats and even
made a trade. Tantier gave his elegantly curved Elvin sword
to Colin and receive several packages of food in return.
When their business was settled, everyone said their goodbyes, and
Colin and Zotope walked off into the woods. Achillie watched
(06:18):
with renewed amazement as the young woman's elaborately woven cloak
made the illusion of the undergrowth and surrounding woods, swallowing
her up. I wasn't sure what the pieces would learn
from Colin and Zotope, but it seemed reasonable after that
reaction role that they would come away with some information.
So what do do this? Brother and sister know that
(06:40):
they'd be willing to share. Determining that at random wouldn't
make much sense because I'd already committed to a number
of truths. They knew where to find a growth, but
they didn't recognize Oduke's name or his drawings. This tells
me that they're familiar with this region, but only up
to a point. The seven of them are about the
right size for a scouting party, so I can also
say that the Novar Wood tribe's home is not too
(07:03):
far away. It follows that they would nowhere to find water,
and also about any dangers the party might face on
their travels. To represent this, I'll give them advantage on
the next couple of wandering encounter rolls. They also give
some food, eight portions of preserved rations, sounds about right,
and directions to a lake. If you're wondering why Colin
and Zotope were not especially shocked to meet Court, I
(07:25):
actually do have an answer, but I'm keeping that card
face down for now. With all that said, I'll proceed
with the hex's crawls for the next day, as the
pieces change course and head northwest for weather on day
twenty five, The fifteen is a fair summer day, stumble
upon ten nothing there for foraging. That two means they
(07:48):
do find some food, a handful of brown mushrooms growing
out of a rotten tree trunk. Four portions of food
are added to the PC's supply. The next check is
for wandering encounters, but this one will be made with advantage,
rolling two D six and taking the lowest A three
and A four no encounters. The party reaches the lake
on the evening of day twenty five, unhindered and more
(08:10):
or less in good spirits. Chapter twenty eight, Part two,
Day twenty five, three days from deroth evening mythic event
(08:30):
meaning transform wounds. Party status achillea nine out of nine
hit points, court fourteen of fourteen, dur any twelve of twelve,
ten tier fourteen of fifteen. After receiving one point of
(08:51):
natural healing fair wind eighteen of eighteen supplies, the companions
have sixteen portions of food and no water. Remaining spells
available Achillea can cast shrink times two and glitter dust
cord can cast entangle and slow poison. The lake lay
(09:19):
shimmering under the declining summer sun. It surfaced a deep
crystalline blue that mirrored the cloudless sky. A few lonely
pines and spruces lined the shore, with their branches swaying gently,
and wild flowers clustered in shades of purple, yellow, and red.
The shoreline was a rocky one, but this did not
stop the companions from pulling off their boots, shaking them out,
(09:42):
and stepping into the cold water, making sounds of shock
and relief. A Cord observed this, and he too waded
into the lake, choosing a flat rock by the edge
to sit on. Robin, always on his shoulder, jabbered trills
into his painted ear. Companions had refreshed themselves and slight
their thirst. They each took a seat on the ground
(10:04):
by the bank, even with a few hours of daylight remaining.
By unspoken consensus, it was clear that they would end
the day's travel here in this place of tranquil beauty.
During the last hours of daylight, they kept their own
counsel with dur Annian tent here, choosing to swim while
Fairwind and Achillie read from their respective books. Achilie found
(10:26):
it hard to concentrate on hers, however, as her mind
kept drifting back to Aldvay. Had he used the name
de Roath in the Fletcher's fable as a kind of
private joke. It wouldn't be much out of character for him,
Achillie decided. Just then the thought crossed her mind. Might
Altvay have traveled the same route she had had he
drank from miss Lake, visited to Kymore Ruins or the
(10:48):
lands of the Black Cloud tribe on his way to
the place he eventually called home. No, she admitted to herself,
it was unlikely he would have had no reason to
go from one place to the other in a straight
line as she had. More probably he would have followed
the river as long as possible, perhaps even by boat,
and by his nature, Aldve would have taken pains to
avoid any encounters. She looked over at Cord, sitting with
(11:12):
his wooden feet in the water. Robin was still prattling
at him, and the sight made her smile. Gratitude welled
up in her breast. How lucky she was to have
such good friends. In the morning, Achillie awoke to find
(11:36):
Cord still sitting in the exact same position on the
natural rock seat he had taken up the previous evening.
He had one hand held out over the water with
his first and second fingers spread in a v. Upon
hearing Achille awake, he twisted his body to look over
and approached her. Immediately, she could see that his appearance
had changed. His feet and right hand now had small
(11:58):
leaves sprouting from them, and light patches of bark had
appeared on his body in random places. Overnight, Cod, you've
changed again, said Achilia, looking her friend up and down.
She touched one of the leaves on the back of
his hand. It was while she was admiring his newest
transformation that the others roused and began to roll up
their packs for the day's travel. When Achilia went to
(12:21):
pick up her water skin, Cord took it from her
and threw it away. Cord, I need that, you know,
she went and fetched it.
Speaker 3 (12:30):
What has gotten into you?
Speaker 1 (12:31):
Cord could not give an answer, but once again he
took the water skin from her hands and threw it away.
By now the rest of the party was watching Cod,
Achillia said again, reproachfully. When she turned to once again
fetched the discarded container, Cord stopped her with a firm
hand on her shoulder. He motioned to her to follow
(12:51):
him as he walked on twenty paces away from the
lake shore, spread the fingers of his right hand in
a V and passed it over the ground as if
scanning for something. After a moment, he stopped, touched the ground,
and before Achille's eyes, a little spring of water spurred
it up from the ground. Let's talk about Chord for
(13:17):
a moment. Today is an important episode for the Man
of Wood, because today he achieves level four, he'll get
a D six of new hit points. Rolling for that
a four could be worse fourteen hit points improves to eighteen.
The construct doesn't have stats, so there's no chances for increase,
which brings us to Druidic special abilities and spells for abilities.
(13:38):
He's supposed to get a new Sylvan language for each
level above second, but since that doesn't make much sense
for Cord, I'm going to make some minor improvements in
his connection with Robin. Since reaching level three, Cord has
been able to understand Robin when the bird talks, but
for this level, I'm going to allow him to talk
back telepathically over very short distances. I should mention that
(13:59):
at the point Robin still doesn't have much intelligence and
can't carry out complex tasks but it might be able
to communicate a warning if there was danger nearby. Something
like that. Okay, that brings us to new spells. Rolling
a D eight for this gives me create water. Well,
I bet you guessed that one, and yes I did
go back and write the previous section after rolling up
(14:21):
this spell. A quick reminder here that I am not
allowing Cord to pick and choose his spells the way
an actual druid could. Every day his spent powers renewed
the same as the day before. Although the companions were
reluctant to believe the sanctuary of the lake with all
(14:42):
its beauty and comforts behind, by late morning they had
done just that. They resumed their original single file marching
order would tendere in the lead. The young elf, who
was now fully healed, albeit wearing scars and carrying himself
with a somewhat less imbuilliant demeanor, had insisted The day's
march passed with that incident, and the sun had shriveled
(15:02):
to a red dot above a ridge to the west.
By the time the companions came together to talk and
make plans for the near future. Three more days should
do it, said der Annie.
Speaker 5 (15:12):
We've nearly reached the end of your quest, Achilia. I
was wondering, have you thought about what you might say
to this odo oak person when you meet him?
Speaker 1 (15:22):
Achilie I realized she hadn't.
Speaker 3 (15:24):
If he's willing to talk, I'll listen. If he isn't,
I'll make him.
Speaker 6 (15:29):
I would like to talk with all of you.
Speaker 1 (15:32):
Ferwind had declared once they made.
Speaker 6 (15:34):
Camp, Achilia, if you would be so kind as to translate,
she said she would.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
I how should I begin, said the cleric in an
unsteady voice.
Speaker 6 (15:44):
Achilie and Cord, you will remember that the wraith of
Queen Anaya spoke a name. It was a name I
did not wish to hear. Harlowe was a novice who
was assigned and indeed entrusted to my care and tutelage.
The Queen accused me of failing this person, and perhaps
(16:06):
perhaps I did. But I wish to.
Speaker 1 (16:09):
Have no secrets from you. Sherwind waited while Achillia translated
the words to DURRANI intent here. Then he continued.
Speaker 6 (16:17):
When I came to the land of the Camors and
took up residence in the ruins of the chapel.
Speaker 1 (16:23):
Harlow was with me but.
Speaker 6 (16:27):
Ah, he died on the very first night we arrived,
and after that I lived there alone with his memory
and the knowledge that I am. I might have saved
him had I only been more careful. It is a
(16:48):
thing that weighs heavily upon me and I I just
wanted you all to know.
Speaker 1 (17:03):
Later, when they had all unfurled their bed rolls and
Tenter and Fairwind were snoring softly, achillea poke to Rennie
with a finger.
Speaker 5 (17:11):
Are no, I'm awake, What is on your mind?
Speaker 3 (17:16):
I too have something to tell, but only to you
De Rennie.
Speaker 1 (17:20):
The elf turned over so that he faced her, and
their noses were only a few inches apart. All right.
After Fairwind had made his confessions to the group, Achilia
had decided that it was time to unburden her own conscience,
at least to De Rennie, who she knew had been
upset with her since the battle with the dire Wolves.
Even though she had rehearsed it in her head for
the last ten minutes, the truth was harder to say
(17:43):
than she expected. When it came to saying it aloud,
De Rennie, you know.
Speaker 3 (17:48):
I have a confession. I guess it's a confession.
Speaker 1 (17:53):
De Rennie said nothing and simply waited for her to continue.
Speaker 3 (17:57):
The thing is that I'm quite a bit younger than you.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
Intent here there was a pause, and then I know, No.
Speaker 3 (18:05):
You don't understand. I mean, I'm only twenty one years old.
Speaker 5 (18:11):
I have known for some time. I heard you tell Valcan.
Speaker 1 (18:15):
When he asked, Achilia had not expected that. She was
silent for a few seconds before she asked, does tend
to no?
Speaker 5 (18:23):
No, I have said nothing.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
But what do you think it means?
Speaker 5 (18:28):
I wish I knew, Achilia, But I am afraid I
have no idea.
Speaker 1 (18:35):
He turned away so that he was looking straight up
at the sky and said.
Speaker 5 (18:38):
I suppose it does not really matter. Try to get
some sleep.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
And just like that, I'm back to making X rolls,
although this time around I am adding a wrinkle. When
I roll for weather, a fifteen or bitter will trigger
some thing in the narrative. Here comes the role the
nine decent summer weather. But that's all, okay. Next up
is stumble Upon. I've got an eighteen no result for
(19:12):
foraging A one means the companions are lucky yet again.
Ten Tier manages to shoot a squirrel for their dinner. Finally,
the chance for a wandering encounter. The party still benefits
from Cullen and Zotope's advice and will get advantage one
last time. Rolling two D six and taking the lowest
number gives me a two and a six Luckily no encounter.
(19:43):
Chapter twenty eight, Part three, Day twenty seven, one day
from drowth after noon mythic event meaning transform wounds. Party
status Achillea nine nine hit points, Cord eighteen of eighteen,
(20:05):
de Reni twelve of twelve, ten Tier fifteen at of fifteen.
After receiving one point of natural healing fair wind eighteen
of eighteen. Supplies, the companions have twelve portions of food.
Water will no longer be tracked so long as Cord
is able to create it magically. Spells available. Achillea can
(20:29):
cast shrink times two and glitter dust. Cord can cast
entangle and slow poison. Somewhat dubious. Both Durni and Tantier
had held onto their water skins after Chord's demonstration, but
the construct had repeated the trick the next day and
(20:49):
the day after that too. Finally, the siblings had allowed
that Cord really could provide for them, and their skins
now hung at their belts empty. Presently, the party was
making their way over a hillside strewn haphazardly with boulders,
legs and backs ached, and stomachs grumbled. Lunch had been
the last pieces of Dernnie's grouse, that, despite having been
(21:11):
blessed by fair wind, no longer tasted very good. When
the group redged the top of the hill, they stopped
to catch their breath. Even though Tantier had the best
eye sight, it was Achillie who noticed it first.
Speaker 3 (21:24):
Now, that is truly something.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
In the distance. Cutting a jagged line against the sky
was a mountain range, its outline soft and indistinct, pale
purple peaks dissolved into the clouds, floating like memories on
the horizon. Even from so far away, the mountains held
an air of mystery and familiarity. Achillia knew the shape
of those mountains well by now, after having studied the
(21:49):
sketches in odok Zagog's book of drawings so many times.
This view was not represented among the pictures in accolation,
but the shape of the mountains was unmistakable. All the
party members agreed that it was truly something to behold,
and for a few minutes, they simply stood and took
it in. This brings us to day twenty eight, once
(22:14):
again rolling for weather, with the same chance for a
trigger event at nineteen. Okay, noted next is stumble upon.
A twelve is nothing forging. A six is a failure,
but the pieces have some supplies now, so this is
not particularly worrisome. A wandering encounter roll is next, with
no advantage this time, so a five or six means
(22:37):
potential danger. Here's the role. Well, okay. Then the mountains
came back into view every time they crested a hill
all that day, lifting the companion's spirits with every reappearance.
At night, Durani chose a huge spruce for them to
(22:57):
sleep under. The companions pushed its fall needles into soft
mattresses and slept soundly while Cord and Robin kept watch.
In the morning, the party members collected their belongings and
continued their trek to the northwest. Hilly landscapes rolled and dipped.
The air was freshly tinged with the scent of earth,
(23:17):
and the quiet sounds of nature filled the space. There
was nothing but the occasional chirp of a bird or
hum of a bee, and the sound of their steps
in the grass. Late in the morning, a great forest
came into view. Like the previous, it was a mix
of spruce, maple, and birch. The trees here were huge
and ancient, and they clung to a dramatic terrain of
(23:38):
steep crests and deep gullies.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
I think that's where we'll signed de.
Speaker 1 (23:42):
Ros, said Achillia, smiling and pointing up at some hills
a few miles off. Her heart was full with optimism
and resolve. She would find this Odok and make him
undo whatever he had done her Vopy. She just knew
she could do it. They were trudging up a steep
ridge when auready up ahead suddenly exclaimed Chief Chins Breed Dad.
(24:05):
Burst was immediately followed by the sound of the elf
drawing his sword. Thank you for listening to Tale of
the Manticord. If you would like to help to support
the show, there are lots of ways to do so.
You can recommend the show online or to friends. You
could like and repost episode announcements on social media. You
can pick up one of my offerings on drive through RPG,
(24:26):
like my new one Shot in the Dark expansion module
or maker kit You can also buy a Tale of
the Manticore t shirt at www. Dot bear Arts dot store,
and there is now a second design available in response
to listener requests to have one without all the blood. Finally,
you can rate or view the show on your podcast
of choice. I'm very grateful for your support. At this point,
I'd like to share a listener review.
Speaker 6 (24:48):
This one was.
Speaker 1 (24:48):
Left by Obadiah on Castbox. Obadiah writes, I love this show.
I've binge to listen to the first season, but then
had to take a long break before I could switch
to the second, as I'd grown to love the care
aracters in the first now nearing the end of season
two and am dreading its end. Keep up the gray work.
You're inspiring a long time player of RPG's to keep
(25:08):
on with trying my hand at solo play. Hey, Obadiah,
I can't tell you how much it inspires and encourages me.
Why reader of you like yours? In a medium where
most communication goes one way, it means a lot to
hear that my stories and characters are striking a chord
with listeners out there in the world. So thanks for
giving me that validation. I really appreciate it, and of
course good luck with your own solo games. I am
(25:31):
also indebted to my amazing cast of actors. This episode
features Ky Ellen and David Cooper as Dorenni and Ferwynd,
and in the role of Klin and Zotope. It's Moses Boyagian,
the creator of Willowna's Cave YouTube channel and morg stromer
of Crypti Creations. Thanks to all of this episode's actors.
For those curious to learn a bit more about Tale
of the Manticor, I keep a blog where I post
(25:53):
all kinds of show and ARPACH related stuff like art, maps, tables, crafts,
and show notes. You could find it a Tale of
the Manticor dot blogspot dot com. To get in test
with me, I'm at Tale of Themanticor dot Blue Sky
dot Social Tale of the Manticor podcast on Instagram, or
Tale of Themanicor at gmail dot com. Our new network website,
Solo Roleplayers Network dot com has been live since mid May.
(26:15):
Please have a look and sample something new if you're
so inclined. The adventure will continue on the next episode
or Tale of the Manticor It's the story. We're Chaos roles.
Speaker 6 (26:29):
Hi.
Speaker 1 (26:30):
I'm John from Tale of the Manticore.
Speaker 3 (26:31):
Maddie Cirl from a Game of One Zone.
Speaker 6 (26:34):
PJ from a Wasteland story, and the Solo Roleplayers.
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Podcast Simon from Legend of the Bones.
Speaker 6 (26:39):
Brian Rideout from Swords Against Madness.
Speaker 3 (26:41):
Calm from The Lone Adventurer.
Speaker 4 (26:43):
And I'm Sharek from Role by Myself.
Speaker 6 (26:45):
And with our solo roleplaying audio narrative, actual play.
Speaker 2 (26:48):
Drama powers combined, we are the Solo Roleplayers Podcast Network.
Usually accustomed to delving the depths, scouring the desert, surviving
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Speaker 1 (26:58):
Or facing the dragon alone, this time we have teamed
up to bring you a curated collection of the best,
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Speaker 6 (27:11):
There are dozens of so if you're looking for your
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Speaker 2 (27:19):
Com, sample and subscribe to something that takes your fancy and.
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Discover your new favorite solo role playing podcast.
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See you there.
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