Austin Powys - International Hobgoblin of Mystery in
"Safety Cwtch"
A Solo Flintloque Scenario by CJ Hooper
Austin Powys - International Hobgoblin of Mystery Returns!
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Introduction
“Cwm on, feel the nAoize,” the master said with a grin that could only be wry as the vile genius Noddy The Beholder was blown apart by his own sonic weapon.
It was a close victory and the Taffsea spy was aching from his endeavours. After all this battle and loss the newly-widowed Ruth Mad-Dog would need some comforting.
While he was concentrating on his five point plan and how to achieve this there was a sudden mechanical scream… The machines that powered the sonic weapon had overloaded, there was too much steam building up in the main tank. Normally the failsafes would melt and all would be fine, however Austyn had removed these in order to reverse the path of the steam flow. Now the whole lot would explode if he didn’t act quickly.
And there were still some hench-gnomes out there…
And Ruth Mad-Dog to rescue...
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So Austyn has four ports of call to should make before he leaves. Of course he can just leave and let it all explode, but the problem with volcano lairs is that they tend to erupt if left unattended, and the village below may suffer...
This is an option of course but not an heroic one.
The Safety Cwtches are located at three points across the board – each cwtch takes an action to reactivate; the prison cell is at one side edge of the board; also there are random henchmen, including Eyepatch McGee. Eyepatch McGee is not an idiot however and may prove useful.
If Austyn rescues Ruth she may also work independently and set to work on finding and fixing the safety cwtches (she is released by spending an action on unlocking the door.) If Eyepatch is encountered he will either fight or may be persuaded to help too. Austyn or Ruth may do this. Above all he will wish to save his own skin. Appealing to his own good nature is the best bet using either leadership or seduction skills – whichever is best for the occasion.
There are other henchmen running about in a state of panic and these will flee or fight on the roll of odds or even accordingly.
The other henchmen may also be in a state of ‘shaken’ or ‘stirred’ as they are starting off as the losing side.
The base will explode in at least 18 turns; by ‘at least’ this is due to the unstable nature of the steam powered evil lair. Each turn the player rolls 3D6 and if the total equals 18 in the first turn then the explosion happens; in the consecutive turns the dreaded figure reduces by 1… (note to Craig – if this is too brutal please adjust the odds...)
Time is of the essence obviously… and unexpected demise may occur sooner rather than later.
Options
1. Just escape – this is not cricket.
2. Re-engage the safety cwtches – with or without enlisting the help or Ruth or Eyepatch.
3. Die Horribly
Cast
Austyn Powys – Taffsea Hob of Mystery
Ruth Mad-Dog – Poodle Widow of Phil Mad-Dog
Eyepatch McGee – A scruffy one eyed dog with a chewed air.
Wandering henchdogs – 5 wandering henchdogs or varied ability.
Merry Cryptmass!
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Webmaster’s Notes
An Orcs in the Webbe original! This article was written exclusively for Orcs in the Webbe and was first published on Christmas Day 2020 as part of its 2020 Advent Calendar.
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Click on the Austin Powys tag below to see all of his adventures here on Orcs in the Webbe!