All adventures have something in common whether it be the fight between good and evil, the tavern scene, a overly-flirty bard or simply that they all have a master of dice. This week while I take some time to look at what 900 nights, 901 now!, of posting means for myself and the blog I wanted to take it a bit slower for a week. So tonight I look at the orchestrator of adventure and the true one responsible for any and all TPKs the Master of dice.
So let’s grab a coffee, sit back and roll into tonight’s adventure!
Master of Dice
425TuMaDi
The man looked at the party as they entered the shop as he rolled several objects on the table and scribbled down some notes. “Be with you in a minute” he called as he continued to roll and hastily jot down information on scraps of paper.
Looking up the man smiled at them “Sorry about that, finishing up a job for another client. Now I assume you are here like all the others that you wish for me to divine something?” he asked as he placed the paper into a pouch and then into a drawer. “I can promise you that you won’t find another as accurate as me so the fee that I require is well worth it.”
The man smiled at them practically oozing with confidence. “I can see you hesitate, perhaps an example?” with dextrous hands he plucked out several items from the table, dice, and retrieved a small scrap of paper and a fine quill that was gilded with gold. As soon as the first of the dice hit the table he began scratching at the paper, drawing lines, scribbles and jotting down words. Grabbing a few of the dice he had just rolled off the table he rolled them once more and scribbled for another few seconds.
Seemingly satisfied he placed down the quill and turned the paper to face the party. A sketch that could’ve been a human with shoulder length hair was standing next to a tree along with “silver” and “Jasper” written clearly next to the image. “This will occur soon. Perhaps the next minute, the next hour or within the day but no more. What ever the dice reveal to me happens and it is rare when it is not something obvious.” he said.
As the party stared at the paper a small bell chimed signalling the door being opened. A hooded figure entered, “Excuse me, Master Varsuise, I can see you are already with clients but it’s urgent.” The young woman walked forward lowering her hood as she reached the desk. “The lords son has gone missing again, sadly on my watch this time. I was teaching him archery near the forest and I went to retrieve the arrow he shot wide. Upon my return he was gone and would not show himself despite my calling.” she paused looking at the party.
Master Varsuise smiled. “Jasper is missing again?” he asked.
“Yes, but the master must not know. I can pay you a silver piece today if you are able to help – but I can’t afford more. Please can you assist me?” The woman spoke quietly, shame evident in her voice. As she looked up at the party, her eyes pleading, the resemblance of the young woman and the sketch Master Varsuise had given them was immediately evident.
“One silver coin will be more than fine, we were expecting you – weren’t we?” he asked the party with a knowing smile. “A once off discount as you may have helped with business today.”
Thanks for joining me for a bit of a fun one with some parallels to how I learnt to DM all those years ago. Reference tables and rolling dice was so tantalising that I made it my most significant hobby to this day. But enough on my reflections. Don’t forget to come back to check in on what else I come up on a ‘week off’ and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe
Brazen Wolfe Tabletop 