Daniel [GM] 0:30 Okay, Stace we're going to go and look back into Nix's history. You excited? Stace [Nix] 0:40 For the most part, yes. Daniel [GM] 0:43 Okay. We're going to be doing something a little different from what we normally do in this we'll be taking a mechanic from a game called Invisible Sun. And this is a little bit of how they handle side scenes when you're away from the whole group where there is a deck of sooth cards. And whenever there is a challenge or something like that something that you would normally have to roll for, I'll draw a card from the deck, I will look up its meaning. And from that we will interpret what happens in that situation for Nix, whether it's good or bad, or somewhere in the middle. Stace [Nix] 1:21 That sounds a little bit nerve wracking. But I'm into it. Daniel [GM] 1:27 Yeah, On the plus side, I mean, you know where this ends up, you know, you're know Nix will start the campaign. So it can't be that bad. Stace [Nix] 1:36 Oh that's true. Nix does survive. Spoiler alert. Daniel [GM] 1:40 Unless you want to go in a bold new direction. Stace [Nix] 1:45 Episode Five be like no, this whole time she's been undead. Daniel [GM] 1:51 Yeah. So let's think back to Nix's past for an appropriate scene. Right before we start recording you were talking about maybe an encounter with the nano that's been treating Nix's mother. Stace [Nix] 2:10 Yeah. Daniel [GM] 2:12 And I think that sounds like a good place to start Stace [Nix] 2:14 I think so. Daniel [GM] 2:15 I assume that, you know, this this nano is in Charmonde relatively nearby your family. Stace [Nix] 2:22 Yeah, I would say so. Okay. Daniel [GM] 2:24 Because if I remember right from your backstory, even though Nix is sort of a monk now, like her family wasn't hurting for money before this happened Stace [Nix] 2:33 No, not at all. I guess I should I open up my backstory? Probably. I can't count on my memory. But also, you know, who's to know what Nix's backstory is. We're making it right now. Daniel [GM] 2:52 Yeah, absolutely. This is your opportunity to change anything because nothing else has been revealed to the other players yet. Is the nano a random nano, or is the nano somebody that's got some sort of connection to your order? Stace [Nix] 3:04 I think that's up to you. But in my mind, it was not like any particular connection, probably the nano had been treating them prior to Nix arriving. Yeah. Daniel [GM] 3:18 Yeah. Okay. And just so I have a point of reference, how long has Nix been wandering as part of the order? Stace [Nix] 3:28 She's been gone at school/wandering for like, eight years, Daniel [GM] 3:32 Eight years. Okay. We'll open up in the home of this nano. They don't really have a shop, they don't need one. People will come to them if they need help, and they don't need necessarily a place to have their skills are so specialized, they're not hurting for ways to make money. Everybody knows you go to this person. Everybody knows it will cost you. All of those things. So, you step in, you know, to the sort of sitting around they actually have a servant that is to you and as you sit down, as they usually do and they wander off what is what can Stace What can you tell me about this Nano? Stace [Nix] 4:18 Well I would say that this nano has a reputation of kind of pushing the boundaries of science. Unclear if they were once order of truth or not like maybe, but no, not no affiliation. Just sort of a solo that a solo nano that for like the the economic class that Nix's parents were, you know in are so are still sort of. That's who you would go to when you had these weird illnesses and treatments just to get the most advanced stuff. Daniel [GM] 5:01 Okay, okay. Are they fairly advanced in age? Or are they sort of a wunderkind? Stace [Nix] 5:07 I would say advanced in age. Daniel [GM] 5:10 Okay. You're in the sitting room for a while and it doesn't take long before a familiar figure steps in. She's very tall. She's about seven feet tall. And she carries with her a staff even at home. She has quite a few bits of numenera grafted onto her head. It's not anything like huge, but like there are lots of little pieces that are connected to her head. And they sort of blink at you as you move along. And she comes up and she says, [as nano] Nix Nix. You're a little bit early this week. Stace [Nix] 5:54 Yeah, I just got some like, business stuff. I got talk about Daniel [GM] 6:00 [as nano] Business stuff, well, please follow me to the office and we can sit down and talk business. And she leads you a little bit farther into sort of a home office that has a desk. There are lots of strange things on the walls, but, you know, they definitely like numenera at this point, it's probably something that would be crazy impressive to a local here, although it's not that extravagant from what you've seen in your traveling. [as nano] So what what do you have on your mind? Stace [Nix] 6:33 Well, like, yeah, you know, just got this bill. And I was just wondering if we could sort something out like some sort of payment plan or something. Because I just don't got the shins up front, you know, Daniel [GM] 6:46 [as nano] really? Well, I mean that that is a problem. I don't work for free. So you're telling me you don't have the 300 shins. Stace [Nix] 7:00 No, Daniel [GM] 7:00 [as nano] okay. Well, if you want to do a payment plan, how much do you have? Stace [Nix] 7:09 Is there a reasonable? Daniel [GM] 7:11 [as nano] What are you proposing? What are you? What are you proposing as a payment? Keeping in mind that this is a monthly bill. And until your mother recovers, it's going to continue to happen each month. So we need to account for that in the plan. Stace [Nix] 7:25 All right. Yeah, so like, I guess before I can really say what sort of payment plan is gonna work for me, I got to know like, How much longer do you think like, the treatment is going to take like, no pressure, I'm not trying to rush you like I want it to be right. But also, this has been going on for a long time. And we're just kind of at the end of the ability to easily pay this bill. So I gotta do some financial planning. You know, Daniel [GM] 7:53 [as nano] I understand. [as nano] Well, part of the problem is, is that it's a rather unique case. It's something that I don't think anybody's really seen before. And I am treating her to the best of my ability trying to keep things from getting worse. But I honestly don't know with confidence how long it will take to relieve her of this or even if it's possible. It's not that I'm saying I won't try and continue to try, but it's it's a very difficult case. This is something that I can't even think of anyone who would have specialty in this and you know my specialty has come from in part from some of my earlier experiments but you know, a lot of it has also come from, you know, helping treat your mother keeping her from deteriorating. Stace [Nix] 8:51 So, Nix will like pull out her map of marks, locations and show them to the nano So, so like I've been trying to do a little background work on my own to try and help figure this stuff out. And I think I have identified like, some of the more obvious locations where my mother might be teleporting. And I didn't know if like sharing this with you could be helpful or if you know, just anything to try to kind of have a breakthrough because I can't do 300 shins a month Daniel [GM] 9:33 Okay, so let's draw card at this point to see how this conversation goes through Nix. Okay, so I drew the Suspicious Hound. It's a negative card return a suspicious hound typically suggest that one is plagued with doubt and indecision, or it might suggest that one doesn't have enough information to make a decision yet? judgment must be passed and the decision must be made. There's no clarity yet So, I so this is not a good. So I would say the Nano's like, [as nano] I understand what you're saying, but I do have some expertise. I do have no... as interesting as your mother's case is... Like I can't keep devoting my time to it if we can't have a reasonable expectation for payment. And you know right now with you know, I have other people that you know, call upon my services, I've even consulted with the Palace on occasion. I can't afford to, to work for free even if I am, you know, fond of your family. So I think you know, really if we're going to continue this business relationship, I am going to need that 300 shins or I'm not going to be able to continue to treat your mother Stace [Nix] 11:02 like I? Well then what do you want to do? Thanks. I can like you know, I'm a I'm a traveler. I've been places I know how to explore ruins, find things that are worth money, but like what then what is? What is the deposit that I would have to give you in order for you to continue working? Daniel [GM] 11:23 [as nano] So here's the thing Nix. I've known a lot of explorers of my day. In my youth, I did it as well. And, you know, I'm familiar with your order. And that's your kind travel all over, looking at things and assisting travelers in need. But even with your considerable skill, that is a very dangerous choice of profession. And I'm afraid that I can't be you know, I understand you want to leave it a deposit but my experience has been that the deposits end up being sometimes all you get when somebody goes out and does something dangerous so it really does need to be the 300 shins. I'm not sure how you get it i mean you your family has a nice home perhaps you can sell some items there to get it. Perhaps you can reach out to any other family members or friends but I do need the 300 shins if we're going to you know continue this. I'm not trying to be mean but you know Nix this is this is not the first time your family has fallen behind in payments and there are many times where those payments never showed up. So I'm leery to cut a deal where you just give me a deposit and you'll try to find the rest. Stace [Nix] 12:53 Well, the 300 shins or nothing, huh Daniel [GM] 12:57 [as nano] 300 shins [as nano] I'll tell you what, I will check in on your mother this week and see what I can do. But after that, I need the 300 shins. Stace [Nix] 13:10 Right. Well, thanks. I can understand, but I'm sure you understand that this is also very hard for us. I mean, you've seen the house like selling stuff out of the house. That's not really an option. Like it's all been sold, though. Yeah. Well, I'll see what I can. I could do in a week. Daniel [GM] 13:33 [as nano] I do hope that you are successful. I would like to continue to help you. I just, I have to also be looking after myself. But I guess you've got some work to do. So I won't take up any more of your time. Stace [Nix] 13:51 Yeah, no, I hear you. I'll leave now. Daniel [GM] 13:56 [as nano] Okay, have a good day. Stace [Nix] 13:59 Bye. Daniel [GM] 14:03 And she kind of gives you like a little wave. Smiles at you like an insurance adjuster that's about to deny their claim and and you leave the leave her home, where would Nix go next? Stace [Nix] 14:18 I feel like probably to like the local chapter of her order and just see. Daniel [GM] 14:27 okay. What does it... Trying to remember their name? Stace [Nix] 14:31 benevolent Society of travelers Daniel [GM] 14:34 okay. So what does a satellite office of the benevolent satellite of travelers Stace [Nix] 14:42 benevolent Society of travelers? Daniel [GM] 14:46 Oh, Unknown Speaker 14:46 I assume that was we are are we both drinking or is it just me unless and yeah, that was the wine talking I assume. Daniel [GM] 14:56 What did I say? Stace [Nix] 14:57 Benevolent satellite of travelers. Daniel [GM] 15:00 Oh, yeah, I was trying to save a satellite office for them. Stace [Nix] 15:03 Yeah. Okay. So I almost said it myself a benevolent satellite of the benevolent society would probably, Daniel [GM] 15:17 yeah, Heaven's Gate. Stace [Nix] 15:19 probably closer to outside the city, probably along the main entrance into the city. And Daniel [GM] 15:28 okay. Stace [Nix] 15:29 It would be a rather like inconspicuous or inauspicious or inauspicious building. Couple stories with rooms you know, for people to crash and sleep in whatever small yard in the back with a ring for practice and a nice big front porch for people to chill on. Daniel [GM] 15:54 Okay. But otherwise relatively austere Stace [Nix] 15:56 and not a lot of... very serviceable Daniel [GM] 15:59 okay. You quickly make your way to that satellite office. It has the the compass rose symbol of the order etched into the front of it on a stone tablet. And as you approach that, wide porch there you can recognize they're of the order but you don't necessarily recognize the individuals that are at the porch. They're clearly new to town but they are definitely like they give off every vibe that tells you they're part of the order. Stace [Nix] 16:32 What's up guys? Daniel [GM] 16:35 [as monk] Oh, not much. just chillin here on the porch. Yeah. Just got in a couple hours ago. Stace [Nix] 16:41 Enjoy, man, like, Good to see ya. We'll have to grab a couple ales later if you're still around. Daniel [GM] 16:50 [as monk] Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. I'm just gonna chill here for a bit and you know, just watch the sunset in this in the big city. It's been I don't know, years. Since I've been here, Yeah, me Stace [Nix] 17:02 too. I mean, I've been here a few weeks now, but before that had been a long time, so definitely enjoy yourself man. Daniel [GM] 17:09 [as monk] Cool, cool. And he just, like leans back and continues staring at the sky. Stace [Nix] 17:17 She just walks by and like, pushes through the front door Daniel [GM] 17:22 So you go in, you know, it's a fairly like, chill place. So like, as you come in, there's not like a front desk or anything like that. There are a few people like kind of hanging out there one of whom you recognize as, you know, the equivalent of the abbot in your order. And that that Abbott... Well, Abbess technically. She kind of sits up takes a look and then you know, recognize you recognize this, you and you know that this is something nice and ridiculous... Abbess Jenminy, Stace [Nix] 18:02 do we want to be Abbesses? Or should she be like a, like a senior traveler or something? Daniel [GM] 18:08 Yeah, I mean, you tell me about the order actually. Stace [Nix] 18:10 Okay. Yeah, I think, you know, I it's a very flat hierarchy, for the most part Daniel [GM] 18:18 How about. So, I mean, most of you guys are travelers. How about that hierarchal like that one level up? Maybe have something like they're they're called Pathfinders. Stace [Nix] 18:29 Oh, yeah, that's dope. That's dope as hell. Damn, that's nice, Daniel. Daniel [GM] 18:35 Thanks. So you're the local Pathfinder. She looks up from where she's sitting, sees that it's you and and waves you over. [as Pathfinder] Nix. Nix, I'm pleased to see you back. I know you've got personal stuff keeping you here but it's been nice to have a familiar face here for as long as you've been here because that's you know people tend to just come and go Stace [Nix] 19:01 ya I know, I get it, Pathfinder and it's been real cool get to know you as well, but yeah, I got some bad news today. Daniel [GM] 19:12 [as Pathfinder] Oh, that's a bummer. Stace [Nix] 19:14 Yeah, real bummer. Daniel [GM] 19:15 [as Pathfinder] How bad? Stace [Nix] 19:17 Like real bad. Like, you know, my mom's sick. She's like teleporting all over the place. Like, we don't know when or where she's going. You know? And it's honestly it's like, it's not just the fact that she could she ends up in dangerous places sometimes, but it's really messing with her mind as I'm sure you can understand. Daniel [GM] 19:37 [as Pathfinder] Yeah, yeah. Well, I guess I didn't realize the nature of her illness. She's teleporting? Stace [Nix] 19:44 Yeah, it's real random. She's She's like she's in the living room. Like you can. You can barely tell. She goes anywhere. It's like she flickers, but she's been somewhere and then she comes back. She's seen some things, man like it's real crazy. Daniel [GM] 20:02 [as Pathfinder] I understand. I can't help but be a little jealous though of that kind of experience. Stace [Nix] 20:08 I think yeah, I think if like, you knew it was happening or if you're more like us but for my mother... it's it's it's nuts. She you know she's she's not an explorer. She's not used to seeing some of this crazy stuff and I worry about her, of course, ending up in like something that can kill her in milliseconds, you know? I don't know. Daniel [GM] 20:31 [as Pathfinder] Yeah. Stace [Nix] 20:32 And we don't know what's causing it is the crazy thing. Like we have no, she hasn't left Charmonde in decades. Like what the hell's going on? I don't know. It's it's real. That's me. Bummer. But it's like it's real messed up. Daniel [GM] 20:47 I'm gonna draw a card. I want to get some guidance on which way I want to go here. Okay, so I drew the Untrustworthy Mirror. Stace [Nix] 21:00 Oh no, I don't know what that means but sounds also bad. Daniel [GM] 21:05 Something that appears real is not it could be that someone's in disguise or it might be just an idea a fact where an emotion is actually deception. Taken broadly the untrustworthy mirror suggests failure. Stace [Nix] 21:17 Damn I want to Pathfinder Jenminy whatever her name is to be cool. Oh no, enemy's in her name. Daniel [GM] 21:29 [as Pathfinder] I understand your pain, but I gotta tell you that the grand scheme of things, I think your mother's blessed. Stace [Nix] 21:37 Ah, I mean, but not for her. You know what I mean? Like for us? That would be super dope. Like, are you kidding? Do you know how much of the world we would see? It's insane. Like, I wish I could trade places but for someone like her. She aint the traveling type. You know, she's been a friend of the society but yeah, she's not of the society. Daniel [GM] 22:01 [as Pathfinder] Yeah, yeah, I mean, I suppose that's true. But I feel like all of us have the potential not just in the order, all of us have the potential to become, you know, the kind of traveler that makes a difference. I, I totally understand your reservation, I feel your pain. I feel your pain. But I gotta tell you, on some level, I think this is a huge opportunity for your mother. If anything, you should be trying to figure out if she can pass it on to you. Stace [Nix] 22:37 Well, honestly, if you could see how anxious and upset she is, like she hasn't been able to work in weeks, you know, we're paying all this money to this nano who's like, I'm not even sure if they're making any progress. They got nothing left, like this is ruining their lives. And I hear what you're saying. Like I totally get it and I would agree if it was one of us, but it isn't. And so like, this is my parents, right? Like, we care for our parents. They brought us here to the ninth world. So Daniel [GM] 23:13 [as Pathfinder] yeah, I mean, I yeah, I totally get that. Just saying that mean, I'm not I'm not judging anybody's journey. But I know from your training that you're, it's all in how you prepare yourself on how you. [as Pathfinder] It's, you know, we don't rise to our expectations, we fall to the level of our training. Stace [Nix] 23:36 I mean, that's true for us. But, you know, we preach compassion and I feel like this is the time to have compassion. We have the ability to influence and train for our own journeys. We have the ability to influence other people's journeys positively. And I just think that's something we need to use in the case of my mom because she is not cut out for this. Like, honestly, like you want to see it for yourself, you can come over. She's in a bad bad place. Daniel [GM] 24:07 [as Pathfinder] I'm, I'd actually be quite thrilled to come see. But the I guess the question is I feel like you're leading up to [as Pathfinder] something. And you know, uh, you know, I would prefer if you just did flat out just direct you know, tell me what you thinking. Stace [Nix] 24:25 well what I'm thinking is today the nano treat and my mother told me that if I can't come up with 300 shins this next visit to my mom is her last visit. Yes 300 Daniel [GM] 24:39 [as Pathfinder] That's like... some people don't even make that in a year. How often do you guys have to pay that? Stace [Nix] 24:45 monthly. Daniel [GM] 24:46 [as Pathfinder] Oh, yeah, that's... Yeah, so I guess what's what's the what's the Ask here? Stace [Nix] 24:53 If you if the society you know, I've been a member for like eight years. You know, graduated You know, top 10% I've been traveling for a long time doing my part for the order and I'm just wondering if there's anything that order could do for me. Daniel [GM] 25:09 [as Pathfinder] Well, I mean, we might, but you know, it's, I mean, if you don't have the 300 shins right now, I mean, you're just gonna need it again and another month, right? Stace [Nix] 25:20 Yeah. But like, I'm just focusing on this month, you know, one day at a time, one month at a time. Daniel [GM] 25:27 [as Pathfinder] It's tough for me to justify such an expense for something that's so... should be so sacred, but I'll tell you what I can do. I'm gonna draw a card here actually. That's the angle that I want to see how convincing see if she was if she's kind of. I feel like if it's me, I would I if it was me, being her, I would probably, like be pretty swayed. But let's see how swayable she is... The Incriminating Skull. Stace [Nix] 26:04 That also sounds bad. Daniel [GM] 26:06 secrets. ravens books flame. The incriminating school tells us that there's a deeper darker meaning to the matter at hand, it presages failure, particularly being caught at wrongdoing, or if the context is right and might also simply indicate that a friend or relative, particularly one that has been long estranged is involved in something. That feels a little too convoluted. But she she says, [as Pathfinder] You know, Nix this I can do. I don't think I can justify just taking students out of the Treasury for this. But you know, what I can do is, I can put out put your name out there for things that I know are paying gigs and no matter of fact, let me write this down. And she like kind of pats around at her pockets, realizes that she doesn't have anything in her pockets, wanders over to a cupboard pulls out a little bit of paper and scribbles down something and brings it over to you. And she says, so if you go to this inn there's a gentleman there named name of Karfa. I don't know much about him, but I know he's got work to be had. And he's he's definitely been asking around about, you know if we have anybody available and thus far like nobody's really felt up to it. You know, most people have just gotten in, but I didn't mention it to you at first because you really haven't been staying here. So I wasn't sure if you were leaving every day, but if you're interested, I mean, at least I know he pays and I can put the word out that you're looking for work as well. Stace [Nix] 27:55 Yeah, no that solid and I really appreciate that. I'm gonna go Look this guy up but I got like one more ask for you if that's all right. Daniel [GM] 28:04 [as Pathfinder] I'm here to listen. Stace [Nix] 28:06 Alright, so I'm like, nine months in on my last boot allowance. I was wondering if I could get this year's like a little early Daniel [GM] 28:18 [as Pathfinder] I can see if I can front you. I have to ask. I think it's possible but it might be hard. I'll see what I can do. It may be that I won't be able to get you the whole allowance upfront, but I might be able to get you some Stace [Nix] 28:36 Yeah, so like I'm not gonna like neglect my boots because there's so important but I was thinking maybe I'm just getting resoled this year. Like you look at them and she like props are fun to the counters like look at and look how good I've been taking care of them like the stitching still firm like Daniel [GM] 28:51 [as Pathfinder] Those are nice fucking boots. Stace [Nix] 28:53 They're real nice fucking boots. So thinking maybe if I just get them resoled this year, then I could you know, save a little On that allowance and help my family out. You know, my parents, Daniel [GM] 29:05 [as Pathfinder] I'll ask, you know, I am a Pathfinder, but I'm not sole decision maker when it comes to order's coffers? Because Well, I mean, we used to be like that before your time. That didn't work out. So well. We had a couple, couple situations where somebody'd empty the local accounts, because somebody had a good, good story. I'm not saying that's the case here. I'm just saying that, you know, we've got safeguards in place. Stace [Nix] 29:34 Well, yeah, no, and I totally get that like, for sure, dude, and honestly, I'll take you to meet my mother. Like, I'll take you to meet my nano like, I'll get a fucking note, like, whatever you need. And then, like, This isn't like an advanced on my boot allowance that I'm gonna ask again this year, like, this is this year's boot allowance. Like I'm gonna get it in three months, no matter what, you know, I'm saying so. That's it. That's all I'm asking. Daniel [GM] 29:58 [as Pathfinder] Okay, well I think that sounds reasonable. But like I said, we have safeguards so I have to run it by at least one other Pathfinder before I approve it. Stace [Nix] 30:08 Sounds good. Jenm, Jenmenemy? Nope. Dude. Appreciate ya. And I'm sure I'll be back around because I will be around Daniel [GM] 30:18 [as Pathfinder] if you want. I mean, I'm chill. if you want you can just call me, Jen. Stace [Nix] 30:23 All right, Jen, you got it and you can just call me Nix. Daniel [GM] 30:26 [as Pathfinder] Okay. [as Pathfinder] You know, it's funny. [as Pathfinder] You never did tell me your last name? Stace [Nix] 30:33 Oh, well, you know, I mean, we had to give them up or whatever. So, like, it's not Daniel [GM] 30:42 [as Pathfinder] I suppose that I suppose that makes sense. Okay, well, but yeah, I'll reach out to you about visiting your mother. What what? What was your family's name. Stace [Nix] 30:54 it's a Sladeck was my family name. Daniel [GM] 31:00 [as Pathfinder] Okay, well, that is a nice name. So like I said, I'll ask about it, but you know if you check in with Karfa he might have work. Stace [Nix] 31:10 Yeah, yeah, I'm gonna do that. Daniel [GM] 31:12 [as Pathfinder] Okay. may you have peaceful travels, but not too peaceful. Am I right? Stace [Nix] 31:18 You're right when you're right. You're right. All right, man. appreciate the help you have a good one. Daniel [GM] 31:23 [as Pathfinder] You too, and she kind of wanders off back to her seat. Stace [Nix] 31:29 Yeah, and next definitely gives like, deuces. Okay, what's the name of the bar/Tavern/inn? Daniel [GM] 31:41 So this Tavern is the Queen Spittoon Stace [Nix] 31:46 Ooh, that's good. Daniel [GM] 31:48 It's, it's not in a great area of town. Stace [Nix] 31:51 That's fine. Shall we say that next goes there next. Daniel [GM] 31:57 Sure, if that's where Nix would go. Stace [Nix] 31:59 It is. But on our way out on the porch she goes like, Hey, dude, to the guy in there. I imagine it's a rocker. Heading to the Queen Spittoon like looking for work, but got time for that beer. You want to come along? Daniel [GM] 32:16 [as monk] Oh, yeah, I mean, I could use a beer. Never been that place. Whereabouts is it Stace [Nix] 32:22 Aw man, I mean, it's in a place that's kind of sketchy, but like, there's nothing too sketchy for us. You know? I'm saying, Daniel [GM] 32:29 [as monk] Yeah, yeah, I'm down down the clown. Just give me a second here to get my shit organized. And like He kind of looks around him and there's like, he has nothing. But he has a small satchel like he. He is. He's like literally Yep, well, guess I'm good. And he stands up like, lead the way fellow traveler. What's your name again? Stace [Nix] 32:55 It's Nix man. What's yours? Daniel [GM] 32:58 [as monk] Oh yeah. Just go by Hey You these days? Stace [Nix] 33:02 Yeah, okay, I get it, Hey You. Daniel [GM] 33:03 [as monk] it just makes things easier when you're traveling, you know? Because then you don't have to, like introduce yourself and everybody typically just calls Hey You. I mean, it can be a little confusing in a crowded area. But, you know, I find it usually works out. It seems odd, but you know, usually when people say, hey, you they actually are referring to me, so I feel like it's kind of... Stace [Nix] 33:25 Yeah man, you like you got that face like, Hey, you like I don't even actually want to know your name. I feel like it would just confuse me. Daniel [GM] 33:34 [as monk] Exactly, exactly. That's what I was saying. Stace [Nix] 33:37 Yeah. Hey, you like, let's roll. Daniel [GM] 33:41 [as monk] Okay, lead the way. Stace [Nix] 33:42 All right, she leads the way to the Queen spittoon. Unknown Speaker 33:46 So it definitely you go into sort of a sketchier and sketchier area of town, far away from the usual markets, getting closer where they sort of do like meat packing and things like that. Yeah, so it does smell bad. But it's and there are the sounds of like all sorts of weird animals around there, like, you hear like aneens, which are those like, that are like these big long legged creatures they're like, it's like if giraffes were strong enough to be pack animals. And so, they're there. They're kind of like making their little sort of, you know, kenning sound like they're not upset, it's just the sound they always make. And you find your way to the Queen spittoon and it has a drawing of the front of our crown. And there's just a spit coming out of the crown and into a spittoon. You know why, I mean, you grew up in Charmonde and you know, the Queen's been alive for a very long time. You can't do anything, you can't make anything that's disrespectful to her in this town at least not directly. So they that's why it's just a crown spitting instead of like an actual drawing of a queen. And as you guys step in this building is it's had better days for sure like one of the Windows is already broken in the front and you go in and it smells pretty terrible like there are people here that are you know, they quite clearly have like pipes out and some of those pipes have something that you know is not street legal in Charmonde like they they inhale and exhale like a glowing purple smoke, Stace [Nix] 35:43 man. Yo Hey you I would like to apologize for this didn't really realize this was this kind of place because obviously like the order doesn't hold with mind altering substances. Daniel [GM] 35:57 [as monk] Hey, I mean yeah. I get it, but I'm sure we don't judge their journeys, right. As long as we're not taking part. We're okay. Stace [Nix] 36:07 know what, dude? Thanks for the reminder, man. You're right. You're cool. You're cool. Daniel [GM] 36:12 [as monk] I try. I try. [as monk] So speaking of mind altering chemicals, let's get that drink. Stace [Nix] 36:19 Oh, yeah, well that's the one right? That's good. Yeah, weird. Weird how that works. Daniel [GM] 36:25 [as monk] Oh, to be fair, I mean, hard to find good water sometimes. Stace [Nix] 36:28 that is so true, man. There's this one time where I thought I found good water was actually out like kinda close to the beyond. And yeah, wow, that was a rough three days. I tell you what. Daniel [GM] 36:43 [as monk] Oh, yeah. Wait a second. Whereabouts in the Riage where you when that happened? Stace [Nix] 36:49 God dammit Daniel fucking querying my numenera knowledge. Yeah, it was kind of close to like the embered peaks, man. Just outside trembled pass. Daniel [GM] 37:02 [as monk] Oh, okay. Oh, wait a second. It wasn't that like lake with the with the magenta trees on the side was it? Stace [Nix] 37:14 for sure was and that water looks clear as hell but it is not. Daniel [GM] 37:19 [as monk] Yeah, I learned that the hard way too. Let me tell you Stace [Nix] 37:23 But those trees you know what I mean they make a good good good cover in those woods, you know when you got to do what you got to do? Daniel [GM] 37:32 [as monk] Yeah for sure for sure. Stace [Nix] 37:34 Well fertilized. Daniel [GM] 37:35 [as monk] Yeah, that's true. That's true. [as monk] And when I was there that was a bit of a broken hound problem. Are there many of those around there? Stace [Nix] 37:43 Ah, I mean, when are you there? Because I feel like I saw a couple but nothing Daniel [GM] 37:50 [as monk] It's been like 10 years... Stace [Nix] 37:53 Now see, this was just like a year and a half ago. Daniel [GM] 37:57 [as monk] Oh, man. Well, then, you know, that's Good that you didn't run any broken hounds sorry that you read that you tried the water. You would think at some point, enough of us have made that mistake that we would tell each other not to do that at this point. But for some reason, it just never comes up. Stace [Nix] 38:14 Or put up a frickin sign. But honestly, though, like, just to be real here, like the next guy here is going out there. I'm not telling him. Daniel [GM] 38:23 [as monk] Yeah, that's exactly what I'm gonna do. Stace [Nix] 38:26 Shit. Daniel [GM] 38:29 [as monk] If you if you see Jeremy back up the back at the boarding house, at any point. You know, he's, he's new. This is his first time in Charmonde. So you wouldn't expect to know him but he the he he made the mistake of going out there. Um... about six months ago. He told me he was going there. I didn't warn him. Stace [Nix] 38:54 Ah, I mean, it's it's a lesson that's not too rough. You know what I'm saying? And also it's funny as hell Daniel [GM] 39:04 [as monk] afterwards Yeah, like, Stace [Nix] 39:06 you know, it's not gonna kill 'em, but we're gonna learn a valuable lesson about what is it isn't drinkable water? Daniel [GM] 39:12 [as monk] Exactly, exactly. My favorite My favorite thing is that you know, whenever somebody comes back and complaints about like, why didn't you boil the water and as a reminder and it always cracks me up... I mean some of them are like, like oh I did boil the water I'm like, oh really then you didn't notice when you heat up that water it cut it melts any kind of metal or container you put it in? Stace [Nix] 39:36 No, shit, man like... Daniel [GM] 39:40 [as monk] that's the way you find out if somebody's lying to you about how that is if they say they tried to boil it. Stace [Nix] 39:44 I definitely did not so I definitely did not know that man. But like, yeah, you're right. Like these people. Like everyone pretended like they always boil their water. Like, come on. Daniel [GM] 39:55 [as monk] Yeah, I'm gonna tell you it's a good thing that we're only about 99.7 degrees, right? Because if if our bodies were boiling temperature, it'd be bad if you drank that stuff Stace [Nix] 40:10 You're right. It'd be real bad. And I do gotta say like, since then I boil the shit out of my water. Yeah, there you go. That's that's what you gotta do. Wait a second, let me ask you a question. Did anybody kind of point you in the direction of that spot of the Riage? Yeah, like I was told that there was you know, like some suspicious activity like so Numenera type weirdness going on over there and go check it out. Yeah, Daniel [GM] 40:40 [as monk] Was it Okay, I have to ask. Was it Pathfinder Fergie, Stace [Nix] 40:45 it was sure as shit . Daniel [GM] 40:48 [as monk] He does that shit all the time. Stace [Nix] 40:50 God, Gods whatever we got. Daniel [GM] 40:55 [as monk] Alright, I it's all the same thing I really like Stace [Nix] 40:58 oh my fucking universe. Man. Oh, I'm twisting my wineglass. You should probably stop that. Not sure that's gonna come through Daniel. I'm sorry if it does. Daniel [GM] 41:07 [as monk] So, yeah, let's get those beers. Stace [Nix] 41:10 All right. So, Daniel [GM] 41:13 so you order the beers. They're very cheap, but you know that this place is not a great place in general and everything is quite cheap here. So you're not even you get the impression that you could like if you wanted to put a shin down as having your tab that would cover you several rounds of drinks and maybe like an appetizer. Stace [Nix] 41:36 I knew I liked this place. Yeah, so Nix's like, does around with Hey, you and queues up his second one and it's like yeah, there's a guy got to reach out to here. So just give me a sec. Daniel [GM] 41:54 [as monk] Sure thing. Stace [Nix] 41:55 Okay. Daniel [GM] 41:57 So the description have the peice papers you gave it. mentioned his name Karfa. I'll say she she also mentioned something like a distinguishing detail. Let's see. He's always wearing this, like this outfit. That is, it looks very strange by Numenera standards like we would think of it as what Look what you would think of as just a three piece suit in on Earth. But in the ninth world It looks utterly ridiculous as an item of clothing. And it's also in this garish like banana yellow, with like, pinstripes of magenta. Stace [Nix] 42:47 Hey, yeah, you must be Karfa? Daniel [GM] 42:50 [as Karfa] Who's asking? Stace [Nix] 42:51 I'm Traveler Nix and what the benevolent society and the Pathfinder Jenmenimy gave me your name for like someone who has work. Daniel [GM] 43:01 [as Karfa] Oh, Jen. Sweet. Yeah, come on, have a seat. Stace [Nix] 43:06 Nix turns the chair around and send it backwards. Daniel [GM] 43:10 Awesome. Okay. [as Karfa] So, yeah, I mean, I'm, I'm definitely looking for somebody that's got experience to help me with a problem. And you know, I know your order is got a good reputation for that kind of thing. Certainly if it's anything that's slightly hazardous or anything like that, Stace [Nix] 43:31 oh, yeah, like hazardous is my jam. Daniel [GM] 43:34 [as Karfa] Oh, cool. Cool. Okay. Well, here's the deal. I got some work that needs to be done. Man, it's a long story. So anyway, I had a situation where I had an item that I was bringing back in from an exploration and that item was taken from me, forcefully by somebody who did not have the right to take it. Yeah, I'm, I really need that item back. And I realized that this may sound, you know, excessive but you know, I'd be willing to I'm not hurting for money, but that object is special to me. So I'm willing to pay for your work. Stace [Nix] 44:25 Yeah, and I am willing to be paid for my work. So let's, let's just get the details and let's, uh let's get everything out there like what's the rate what's the job? Daniel [GM] 44:39 [as Karfa] So the item that I need, it looks like this and he sketches out something and is it's this like braid he's drawn but the braid seems to be made of snakes. And he says, Oh, and by the way, be careful when you hold it because they're alive and they bite. Stace [Nix] 45:02 Oh, do they just bite or are they like poisonous? Daniel [GM] 45:08 [as Karfa] To be honest, I have wanted to try to find out. Stace [Nix] 45:11 Yeah, gotcha. So, Daniel [GM] 45:14 [as Karfa] so anyway, there's this guy real piece of shit is the one who took it from me. Oddly enough, his nickname on the streets is Latrine which I think is outstanding. Stace [Nix] 45:28 Yeah, makes you wonder how he got a nickname. Daniel [GM] 45:32 [as Karfa] Well, he lives up to it. Let's put it that way. As far as I know, his real name, the name that usually you know, introduces people with is Donald, which sounds ridiculous to be it's got a made up, Stace [Nix] 45:47 Donald? Daniel [GM] 45:48 [as Karfa] Yeah, yeah. Stace [Nix] 45:52 Man. I mean, Daniel [GM] 45:54 [as Karfa] have you ever met anybody named Donald? This is what I'm saying. Stace [Nix] 45:57 No, what were his poor parents thinking. I mean, it's unique. Like it's different. Daniel [GM] 46:04 [as Karfa] It's gotta be a fake name. Which is why most people just call him a tree. But anyway, he took this item from me and I need it back. I don't know where he lives, but I tried to go get it myself. But somewhere in Charmonde I know that much. Early used to come in here all the time. That's how he found the item in the first place. Yeah, I mean, I easily pay 50-60 shins to get it back. Stace [Nix] 46:36 I'm sorry. Can you say that amount again? Daniel [GM] 46:39 [as Karfa] 50 or 60 shins? Stace [Nix] 46:40 Can we say like 60? For sure. Daniel [GM] 46:43 [as Karfa] Yeah, well, I mean, if you can get it back. Yeah. I'd be happy to pay 60 Stace [Nix] 46:49 How hard so you think this is gonna be? Daniel [GM] 46:51 [as Karfa] Well, I don't know. All I know that probably the hard part is finding him Stace [Nix] 46:57 okay. I mean, Daniel [GM] 47:00 [as Karfa] But also, I mean, he's shifty, and word says he's a real sleazebag. And he'll so you know, honestly, I haven't been particularly excited to be walking down any dark alleys looking for him. Especially if he knows I'm coming. Stace [Nix] 47:16 My cat. Can you hear him? Alright, here's hoping for the best. Oh, yeah, but he like won't be expecting me walking down any dark alleys, you know. So, yeah, I would think that would be an advantage. Daniel [GM] 47:35 [as Karfa] Yeah, for sure. Stace [Nix] 47:36 Okay, like, you got a starting point? Daniel [GM] 47:39 [as Karfa] He came here a lot. People haven't been super chatty with me about him, but that's because they don't seem to. Well, I don't think they like him. But for whatever reason, they don't like me. Stace [Nix] 47:51 Oh, man, but well, it might be like, the clothes. Daniel [GM] 47:57 [as Karfa] He looks down, "what's wrong with my clothes?" Stace [Nix] 47:59 They're very like unique and different and I think that makes people intimidated. You know, I'm saying, Daniel [GM] 48:07 [as Karfa] Oh, yeah, I could see that. Yeah, that makes sense. Stace [Nix] 48:11 Yeah. So like if that's what you're going for a okay, but like just understand then people might not be super forthright. Daniel [GM] 48:19 [as Karfa] Okay. Stace [Nix] 48:20 I like respect it. Daniel [GM] 48:23 [as Karfa] Well, thank you. Thank you. You're clearly a person of good taste. Stace [Nix] 48:28 first time anyone's ever said that. Daniel [GM] 48:31 [as Karfa] Good. Okay. [as Karfa] But anyway, yeah, I mean, if you can find this guy bring back my relic there. You know I'll 60 shins in your hand. No problem. Have you got it? Stace [Nix] 48:45 Good. Thanks. So, next goes back to Hey You. Hey, I'm about to leave and do a job. Like you can drink that Shin down. If you want. Daniel [GM] 49:01 [as monk] Oh, awesome. Awesome. I don't know how much more I need to drink but it's okay with you. I might grab myself an appy those. If you don't mind I'm on my order an app with it because I gotta say those green scorpions are looking pretty good. Stace [Nix] 49:17 Ah, yeah, man, I hear you. And you got to let me know how they are. Daniel [GM] 49:22 [as monk] Yeah, for sure. For sure. I heard somebody saying that. They've got this, like, garlic butter stuff that you dip them in, and it's supposed to be like amazing. Stace [Nix] 49:31 Damn, now you're making me wish I could stay but like, gotta go grind. You know what I'm saying? Daniel [GM] 49:37 [as monk] Yeah, absolutely. You know, peaceful travels, Stace [Nix] 49:40 You too man. And they do like a semi complicated handshake. Daniel [GM] 49:45 Yeah, okay.Is it very like bro-y like in the complication? I guess. Stace [Nix] 49:51 So bro-y. Daniel [GM] 49:53 Yeah, like it ends in a chest bump. Stace [Nix] 49:55 Yeah. Somehow with Hey You still seated. Daniel [GM] 49:59 Awesome. Okay, so what do you want to do to try to find Latrine? Stace [Nix] 50:05 Um, straight out Nix will just like start asking people. Have you seen Latrine? Daniel [GM] 50:15 Okay, so let me draw a card. Stace [Nix] 50:19 Is it a positive one? No. Daniel [GM] 50:22 Well, it's a little vague. It's called jackal with a subtitle of nemesis. Well, mostly the jackal is a dire omen of dark magic. Some embrace the power they represent. To be sure this card turn could be a threat or it could be an offer. The person in question may want to take precautions against the effects of hexes interventions of demonic spirits or simply an angry nano. It could be equated to any figure in power, not just magical power, but even then only to a ruthless, intimidating figure. You're going around And asking people and then you feel like a big hand on your shoulder. You hear this deep voice like, [as loan shark] you asked about Latrine? Stace [Nix] 51:11 Yeah. Daniel [GM] 51:12 [as loan shark] What do you want him for? Stace [Nix] 51:15 I just gotta like talk to him. I heard he might have this like cool fucking object Daniel [GM] 51:21 [as loan shark] Oh trying to help out that one over there in the yellow. He's an asshole. Stace [Nix] 51:28 Yeah, he's the guy in the clothes. Daniel [GM] 51:31 [as loan shark] Well they both are. Stace [Nix] 51:33 Oh, well. Yeah. Daniel [GM] 51:36 [as loan shark] You shouldn't trust anybody wearing that color to start with. Stace [Nix] 51:40 Honestly though, like don't you gotta respect the confidence it takes to pull that off. Daniel [GM] 51:46 [as loan shark] Yeah, but you know, you got that association with those assassins down in Qi. Stace [Nix] 51:55 Oh shit, you're right. Daniel [GM] 51:58 [as loan shark] Not saying he's one of them. Stace [Nix] 51:59 yeah He did not strike me as someone with that level of competence. Daniel [GM] 52:06 [as loan shark] No, no, he's just an asshole. It's just not a good look being dressed like that. Especially here in Charmonde. We've been on the edge of declaring a war against Qi for almost as long as there's been peace between us. Stace [Nix] 52:22 Yeah. Ah, wonder if he even like, realizes wonder if I should tell him man Well, maybe what maybe what I've done with this job, you know? Daniel [GM] 52:35 [as loan shark] Well, I will say this, Latrine is a piece of shit. Stace [Nix] 52:40 You're not the first one to say so. Daniel [GM] 52:44 [as loan shark] I mean, there's a reason we all call him that. Stace [Nix] 52:45 Why is the reason. Daniel [GM] 52:47 [as loan shark] He's an asshole. Stace [Nix] 52:48 Oh, that's it. Daniel [GM] 52:49 [as loan shark] And honestly, most of the time he smells like shit. Stace [Nix] 52:52 Okay, so yeah, I was thinking it was something like that. He made he makes it too easy is what you're saying? Daniel [GM] 52:59 [as loan shark] Yeah, yeah. So I'll tell you what Latrine owes me some money. Stace [Nix] 53:06 Oh yes a twofer two for one. I get the shift for carta I get the money for you. Daniel [GM] 53:12 [as loan shark] Yeah, yeah. That can be arranged Stace [Nix] 53:15 All right what you got? Daniel [GM] 53:16 [as loan shark] Well, so he owes me 30 shins and it's been a while so actually once you add the interest on top of that it's probably getting close to 80 now Stace [Nix] 53:30 What's he owe you it for. like how did he Daniel [GM] 53:33 [as loan shark] He borrowed some money and didn't pay attention to the rules of the deal and he's a way late on paying it back. And I'm just saying you know my interest compounds daily. Stace [Nix] 53:45 Ah well as is expected in this part of town. Daniel [GM] 53:50 [as loan shark] They'll tell you what, you know, a day's work, shop. think maybe its 8 shins a day at best. So 25 shins bring you back. You bring me back money that's owed me, you get 25 shins. Stace [Nix] 54:05 All right, like, I'll definitely see what I can do since I'm looking for this guy anyway, but you got anything that's gonna help me find him? Daniel [GM] 54:14 [as loan shark] That I can help you with Stace [Nix] 54:15 Dope. Daniel [GM] 54:17 [as loan shark] He hasn't been home when I stopped by. But he lives here and sort of sketches out a little map for you with the neighborhood. This is where he lives. And I know I've heard people saying they've seen him so I don't think he's skipped town or anything like that. But, you know, he's wherever he is like, he's somewhere in that neighborhood. Whether he's sleeping there or not. I don't know. But he's definitely been seen there. Stace [Nix] 54:45 For sure. Yeah, I'll get started over there. Daniel [GM] 54:48 [as loan shark] Okay, good deal. Good luck to you. Oh, I'm going to be here. I mean, I'm almost always here, when I'm not sleeping. So you come back here and I'm not here... Just come back a little bit. Later in the day and I'll be back Stace [Nix] 55:01 All right. Cool. Daniel [GM] 55:03 [as loan shark] This is my business office you might say Stace [Nix] 55:07 Low rent Daniel [GM] 55:10 [as loan shark] yeah, as long as I keep buying beer they don't care. Stace [Nix] 55:12 so fucking cheap and like not that bad. Daniel [GM] 55:20 [as loan shark] Okay, I gotta tell you you haven't tried the green scorpions they're divine. Stace [Nix] 55:25 You're the second person but I'm sure you understand on this job so yeah, I'll treat myself when I get back Daniel [GM] 55:36 [as loan shark] you get back I'll buy you around to those on top of Stace [Nix] 55:39 Hell yeah, man. You got yourself a deal. Daniel [GM] 55:42 Okay, Nix, I'm going to say you head to the neighborhood. I'm gonna draw a card for you to see how well your search goes Stace [Nix] 55:53 Good. Daniel [GM] 55:55 So you got Hidden Moon. When hidden Moon is played something new begins suggests looking forward, not backward. But what's coming ahead maybe dangerous rather than beneficial. So be wary. I think you find where he's like his actual home home pretty rapidly. And because you got the hidden moon, I would say you don't have to wait very long before you see somebody's kind of just in terrible clothes coming down the street. But they don't go in the front door of a house. Instead, they duck into an alley. And you can hear them kind of, you can hear them kind of groaning and flailing as they seem to be climbing in a window from the alley. Stace [Nix] 56:48 Nix is just gonna step out and be like, Hey, you, hey. Daniel [GM] 56:51 So you hear a little shriek and see legs falling into that window and the window slams. Stace [Nix] 56:57 Ah shit. Okay, so would she know where inside this person is landed? Daniel [GM] 57:06 They're somewhere in the house don't really, you don't know the layout of the house necessarily. Stace [Nix] 57:12 Okay, she tries the door. Daniel [GM] 57:14 The door is locked. Stace [Nix] 57:16 Shit. Okay, so Daniel [GM] 57:18 it's not a great place though I will specify this you are in the bad part of town. Stace [Nix] 57:24 But windows seems like it's probably unlocked so she's gonna climb up after. Daniel [GM] 57:29 Okay. Yeah, they did shut the window but the window does not have a lock. So I would say you get into the window, no problem. And kind of as you get your way in, you hear a shriek from the next room and you hear somebody scrambling. Stace [Nix] 57:49 Hey, hey, I just want to talk to you that man like and she's like, Daniel [GM] 57:54 [as Latrine] why did you break in my house? Stace [Nix] 57:56 First of all, you look like you broke into your house. Daniel [GM] 57:59 [as Latrine] I 'm allowed to do whatever I want in my house. Stace [Nix] 58:01 Prove this is your house, Daniel [GM] 58:03 [as Latrine] it's mine. Stace [Nix] 58:04 That's not proof man. Like, Who the hell are you? Daniel [GM] 58:09 [as Latrine] Listen, you're the one who came into this place you deliberately intruded. Stace [Nix] 58:13 Firstof all, Daniel [GM] 58:14 [as Latrine] I'll call the guards if I have to. Stace [Nix] 58:15 I was possibly stopping a robbery. Second of all, but are you really going to call your guides this house? Daniel [GM] 58:24 [as Latrine] Sure. of course. Stace [Nix] 58:27 Yeah, man, like whatever you say like, let's just talk. I'm just here to talk Daniel [GM] 58:33 [as Latrine] Who are you? but you still can't see them. Stace [Nix] 58:35 Okay? She's like coming around, though. She's like, walking towards the voice. Daniel [GM] 58:40 He is like curl up in a hiding behind a chair. But the chair is a slanted chair so it doesn't hide him at all. It's actually really ridiculous. It's a very cheap wooden chair that looks like it would like, fall apart if you even kicked at it. Stace [Nix] 58:58 Man, but But like, you're not hiding from me I can see you like just stand up talk to me we're just talking Daniel [GM] 59:08 [as Latrine] Keep your distance. Stace [Nix] 59:10 all right? Yeah, you got it like I'm Nix. I'm uh i'm with the benevolent Society of Travelers. perhaps you've heard of us? Daniel [GM] 59:17 [as Latrine] No. Stace [Nix] 59:17 Well Wow, they're gonna be disappointed to hear that. You ever leave Charmonde Daniel [GM] 59:24 [as Latrine] Do I look like somebody who can afford to leave Charmonde? Stace [Nix] 59:26 Okay, yeah, you're right. So that makes sense. Anyway, long story short, I'm looking for Latrine, that you? Daniel [GM] 59:35 [as Latrine] My name is Donald. Stace [Nix] 59:36 I am so sorry Donald like I was like told something else. That you had a nickname. Daniel [GM] 59:44 [as Latrine] They're all assholes down there. Stace [Nix] 59:46 This place is rife with assholes, you are not wrong. Daniel [GM] 59:51 [as Latrine] And so now that you're in the same room with him does smell like shit. Stace [Nix] 59:55 Nix keeps that to herself. So, listen, basically, I'm in a tough spot. Personally, I don't think I'm going to bore you with my personal business, but like, two people have said you have stuff that belongs to them and I'm here to get it. Daniel [GM] 1:00:16 [as Latrine] There's a pause. And then he looks at you sayl. Well then they're lying. I don't owe anybody anything. Stace [Nix] 1:00:23 You don't owe a loan shark? 80 or 60 where we were we at Daniel? Daniel [GM] 1:00:31 It was 80. Stace [Nix] 1:00:33 You don't owe a loan shark 80 shins. Daniel [GM] 1:00:36 [as Latrine] Oh that guy?. That's bullshit. He tricked me. I'm you know, I don't I don't think I owe him anything. Stace [Nix] 1:00:44 Yeah, man. I get it like loan sharks fucking suck. Like that's why I don't use them. But at the same time when you enter agreement, you enter an agreement. And honestly, Daniel [GM] 1:00:56 [as Latrine] what if you can't pay the bill? Stace [Nix] 1:00:57 That's what I'm saying. Like, I am probably the nicest Fucking person that's gonna show up about this situation. Next person. You're talking knees talking fingers, right? I'm not. I'm just telling you the reality Daniel [GM] 1:01:12 I'm gonna draw card. I don't know this could be good or bad. Make sense? Okay. Yeah, so you got the Raven and the raven can has both positive and negative connotations. Usually indicates that someone is watching jealous. Usually somebody unexpected. It's also a warning to beware of greed and trickery on the positive side. It advises vigilance or suggests there's a trick involved in what one must do to succeed. Either means that there's a problem that can be overcome. Okay, okay. So this guy, Latrine. Donald is fiddling around with his pocket. [as Latrine] It's like the I don't I don't know. I mean, I I mean, that guy's been harassing me like he's been. He's been hurting people. It's not anybody to be trusted he's he's a crook. And I don't think you should be you shouldn't be here and until you do anything for this guy, you're gonna be sorry. Stace [Nix] 1:02:19 I'm gonna need you to clarify that because it was super vague. Daniel [GM] 1:02:26 [as Latrine] You can't trust him. You think you got a deal with him? You don't have a deal with him. I thought he was I thought he was giving me a little bit of money as a gift. And then he starts after gives me money. He starts talking about interest and whatnot. I thought he was joking. Next thing I know he's back a week later and the bill and the now is like, twice what originally was. Stace [Nix] 1:02:48 Yeah, that's kind of what happens when you borrow money from someone here. How long have you been here man? Cuz like, you got a reputation Daniel [GM] 1:02:57 [as Latrine] I've been here my whole life. I listen, I was drunk. And this guy comes up to me and says, I hear you having problems. But anyway like I, you know, you could tell him I'm gonna pay him back. I'll just sell something and then down and stuff. Stace [Nix] 1:03:13 So you get 80 shins worth of stuff. Daniel [GM] 1:03:18 [as Latrine] Not yet, but I will soon Stace [Nix] 1:03:20 Yo listen I was not kidding when I said the next person to show up is not going to be fucking benevolent. I'm here because my mom is sick man. Like I need that 25 shins from your loan shark in order to help pay for her care. That's why I'm here. Next person is going to be here for the payout only and they're not going to give a shit about you. Daniel [GM] 1:03:47 [as Latrine] I'll give you 30 shins just walk away. Stace [Nix] 1:03:50 I will do that. But there's an addendum. caveat, if you will. I hear you got some braided snakes. Daniel [GM] 1:04:00 [as Latrine] He like pauses. Braided, braided snakes. What do you mean? Stace [Nix] 1:04:05 Karfa. Looking for some braided snakes? Daniel [GM] 1:04:08 [as Latrine] Do you mean that yellow motherfucker down at the Spittoon? Stace [Nix] 1:04:12 The one the only? Daniel [GM] 1:04:13 [as Latrine] Yeah, I don't know anything about no snakes. Stace [Nix] 1:04:17 That's not what he says. And he's offered me 60 shins to bring back his fucking snakes. Daniel [GM] 1:04:24 [as Latrine] well that is beyond my means but let me see what I have... and he starts digging in a satchel kinda shakily and He kind of looks at you a couple times. And then he pulls something out of the satchel and he tosses it in your direction Stace [Nix] 1:04:43 hell no, man. Daniel [GM] 1:04:47 What we're gonna do is draw a card to see what this thing is. See here, Ghostly Presence. Something from the past. Have something forgotten arises in the present. The most typical interpretations goes from the past what give the person in question trouble. But it's possible that the remainder of the past is not entirely negative. I'm gonna say this thing kind of explodes. This is actually awesome. There's a quote at the bottom of each one of these cards and this one is, do you remember? Do you remember what you did? I do. So I think this thing is for throws at you is it's kind of blinding for a moment. And you realize that like, everything's kind of, like hazy. It's not like a drug per se. It's like a numenera energy that is sort of addling your mind. And you can see he's now pulled out a knife and he's coming for you. Stace [Nix] 1:05:55 Oh, my God, Donald shit. Nix punches him in the face. Daniel [GM] 1:06:03 Okay? With your skill and this guy like it's not a problem like you hit him in the face no problem he just drops he drops on the ground and he is like out like a light. Stace [Nix] 1:06:23 Nix searches his shit for the snake braid. Daniel [GM] 1:06:27 Okay, so you don't find that on his person. You do find 20 shins on this person. Stace [Nix] 1:06:36 She puts them on the chair and searches the rest of the room for she searches up to the whole entire house if she must for the snake thing. Daniel [GM] 1:06:47 Okay, okay, let's draw a card. Let's see if he's already sold it or not. Okay. The Messiah. The Messiah portends change the source. The changes almost certainly external. More often than not this is a positive change and even if things are worse for the person the more likely the change will be positive. Okay? So I would say you are going through the safe that... or not safe but his his safe... of his house... his home... are and it doesn't take you long to find this thing in that spot you find you know it's sort of like hidden in a part of a wall that's easy to miss in the bedroom. But you pull out this like hidden spot. And there is this like braid of living Snakes on a chain. Stace [Nix] 1:07:45 It's is it stored in some fashion? Daniel [GM] 1:07:49 It's just sitting in there. Stace [Nix] 1:07:50 Okay, well, she takes it seriously. Karfa's warning and they try to scoop it up with a bag. Daniel [GM] 1:07:58 Okay. There's also about 10 shins. Stace [Nix] 1:08:02 So the 30 shins that were promised Nix leaves those ten shins on the chair as well. Daniel [GM] 1:08:11 Okay. So you have this snake thingy... What are you gonna do now? Stace [Nix] 1:08:19 She leaves the shins and takes the snake thing. Daniel [GM] 1:08:23 How do you leave the house. You go back out the window or the front door? Stace [Nix] 1:08:27 Nix would walk out the front door. Daniel [GM] 1:08:30 So you go out the front door and are you making your way back to Spittoon. So you come back into the Spittoon and you see that big guy. The loan shark kind of look out from his booth at you. And you see Karfa also looking at you. Stace [Nix] 1:08:47 So she looks at the loan shark first, man, he ain't got it. Sorry. Daniel [GM] 1:08:52 [as loan shark] What does he have? Stace [Nix] 1:08:54 Man? Like? I'm not 100% Sure. Like I took the thing for Karfa. I found a few shins but like couldn't collect so I didn't collect you know saying Daniel [GM] 1:09:06 [as loan shark] well it's not it's not finding it for me but I'll give you 10 shins if you go back there and break his legs. Stace [Nix] 1:09:12 Naw, man No can do. I'm telling you he don't got the money so like breaking his legs ain't gonna matter, but you're gonna have to do your own dirty work in this instance like, search his whole house he ain't got he ain't got 80 shins. Daniel [GM] 1:09:27 [as loan shark] Yeah, What's your name again? Nix, was it? Stace [Nix] 1:09:30 You can remember it. Daniel [GM] 1:09:32 [as loan shark] I'll remember it. Stace [Nix] 1:09:33 I'll see you around. Daniel [GM] 1:09:34 [as loan shark] Yeah, you will. Stace [Nix] 1:09:36 what's what's your name? So that I won't forget. Daniel [GM] 1:09:40 [as loan shark] Everybody knows me. Be on your way little Traveler. Stace [Nix] 1:09:43 weird name, but uh, I know your face. That's good enough for me. Daniel [GM] 1:09:50 [as loan shark] All right. Be on your way. Stace [Nix] 1:09:52 So she goes over to Karfa. Daniel [GM] 1:09:54 Yeah, he's looking expectedly up. He saw your interaction, he didn't hear it, but he saw you interaction with the loan shark. So he's looking like he's both excited and leery Stace [Nix] 1:10:05 Got your shit man. Yeah, Daniel [GM] 1:10:08 [as Karfa] that's, that's amazing. Can I see it? Stace [Nix] 1:10:11 Fuck yeah, its yours. She just gives them the whole bag. Daniel [GM] 1:10:15 Okay, I'm gonna draw card real quick. It's not gonna affect much but it's making a decision about which way to go. I think as you guys are passing it the snakes are going to bite one of you. I'm trying to decide which one it is. okay. So I got the Imperator. This represents a crucial turning point to the deciding factor. Generally the interpretation is that when the card is turned the person questions make a very important decision on which everything that follows now is this choice should be made with consideration and care. This is what's going to happen. I'm gonna put it back on you. You see is your holding this out, you see the snake getting ready to bite his hand. Stace [Nix] 1:10:58 Yeah, Nix is gonna take the bite. Like very obviously take the bite. Daniel [GM] 1:11:04 Okay. Yeah, so this snake sinks its teeth in. And it's weird. You didn't see teeth in its mouth but you feel teeth as it bites down. There are definitely two puncture wounds. Here your hand between your thumb and finger. And he's like, [as Karfa] Oh my god, sorry. And he thanks you for the assist. He opens up his bag and he pulls out a small pouch and like gingerly puts the snakes inside before he seals it and puts it back. Yeah, he hands you a small sack of shins. Stace [Nix] 1:11:42 Ah, listen, like I know we're square. But I got kind of a favorite ask for you. I did. You know maybe in return for the snake bite. Daniel [GM] 1:11:55 [as Karfa] What are you asking? Stace [Nix] 1:11:56 That loan shark back there? He wants to cause me some trouble because I didn't collect his money, well, not so much. I didn't collect this money, but that I wouldn't break the guy's legs. You know, that's not what the society is about. Daniel [GM] 1:12:09 [as Karfa] Yeah. I wasn't looking for you to do anything violent either. Stace [Nix] 1:12:13 Exactly. And, I mean, I did have to knock him out like, okay, we're I'm gonna pull the knife at me crazy, right? Like Daniel [GM] 1:12:21 [as Karfa] he's an asshole. Like I said, Stace [Nix] 1:12:22 Anyway, so I put him down, but like, He's fine. But this guy, this little shark, he's, he's looking to cause trouble for me. I can tell Can you, uh, can you nip that? Daniel [GM] 1:12:32 He looks over. [as Karfa] You know, I'll see what I can do, but I don't have a whole lot of influence with that guy. I'll see what I can do, but I don't know what I can do. Because he already doesn't like me. Stace [Nix] 1:12:43 All right, well, whatever you can do, I'd appreciate who who can influence this guy. Daniel [GM] 1:12:50 [as Karfa] As far as I know everybody here is afraid of them. Stace [Nix] 1:12:52 All right, well, I'll put him down if I have to. But you know... Daniel [GM] 1:12:58 [as Karfa] ain't nobody gonna miss him. Stace [Nix] 1:13:00 He seems like a real asshole to me. Daniel [GM] 1:13:03 [as Karfa] They're all assholes down here. Stace [Nix] 1:13:05 Hey you said it not me. Daniel [GM] 1:13:10 You notice that Hey you is no longer around. He's gone Stace [Nix] 1:13:13 All right well, you do what can. You need another job, non-violent, of course. You know we like to stay on the right side of justice generally speaking. Daniel [GM] 1:13:27 [as Karfa] Yeah, I mean, nothing else right now for me but you can reach out to me again if you are looking for work. If I have something I'll let you know. Stace [Nix] 1:13:35 Yeah, you got it. And honestly, like I get that you can't do too much about that loan shark but if you ever find out anything that would help me. Just send me a message. Okay. Daniel [GM] 1:13:45 [as Karfa] I'll do my best. I'll I'll let Jen know. Stace [Nix] 1:13:47 All right, Karfa, you're all right. And she like, offers a fist bump. Daniel [GM] 1:13:52 He takes the fist bump. Stace [Nix] 1:13:55 Alright, man peace. Daniel [GM] 1:13:56 his left hand Incidentally, when he gives you the fist bump. It's just like covered in garish rings. Stace [Nix] 1:14:03 She takes it anyway. Daniel [GM] 1:14:08 Okay, Nix you're leaving. You've got 60 shins in your pocket. And as you're walking back through this terrible neighborhood, you see a cart heading down the way that isn't slowing. So you kind of ducked into an alley. As you're walking down that alley and you come across a door looks like the front door to a house. And, but it's weird. This is facing the alley. This is not a good alley. I mean, you're not worried because of your background and skills. But this is the kind of alley that like, when you were growing up before you had your skills, your parents always told you not to go down, like something that it's dark. It's not really visible from the street or anything like that. But you also notice that on the sort of drab gray sign next to the door, with sort of a drab gray paint, there's a sign that says, Explorers Wanted, Inquire Within. Stace [Nix] 1:15:08 Nix looks at it and thinks for a second then knocks on the door. Daniel [GM] 1:15:15 It takes a moment and then the door opens. And you see an elderly woman standing in front of you. There's a fire crackling in a hearth behind her. And she looks you up and down and says, [as Momma Jerrun] Nix. I've been waiting for you. You're a little bit late. Stace [Nix] 1:15:34 Oh shit. I am? Daniel [GM] 1:15:37 [as Momma Jerrun] Yes. Come on in. I have something to talk to you about. And that's where we'll end your session zero. Stace [Nix] 1:15:46 Sweet. That was fun. Transcribed by https://otter.ai