So, a new game store opened in town and I decided to see if they would let me run a demo game. The owner agreed even though his focus is video games - as in 22 system/TV combos in a separate space with theater seating. Non-the-less he plays pen-and-paper RPG's and carries them in his store. He also has a few tables for card, miniature or pnp gamers too.
Anyway, this past Friday after work I popped in to run the game. Publicity was sub-optimal but present and had even been placed on the store website a week prior. Despite that, I twiddled my thumbs for half and hour and was about to pack it up with the store more or less cleared out. One of the employee plopped down and asked me to explain FC to him. Still being new to pnp gaming, he had a lot of questions but was pleased by what he saw. Around 9pm or so, two guys sit down and the three of them, the two customers and one of the employees begin gaming.
Given that the store closes at 11pm, I only had 2 hours to run a 4 hour adventure. Needless to say we didn't finish it, but they did get to the big reveal at the end.
SPOILERS ahead for the squeamish.
After a *very* brief overview of FC for the new guys, I had them pick characters from the official pregens. They selected "The Hand," "Git," and "Ailaya." They all took the opening scene in stride and ...
<IC>
After bedding down for the evening, Ailaya, decided to read her spellbook for a bit and then cast alarm before going to bed. Just after she cast it, a wyvern makes an appearance against the starry sky. Realizing that the beast will trigger the alarm if it attacks she readies herself and prepares to cast magic missile at the creature.
It swoops down looking for an easy meal before getting hit in the chest with three nasty missiles of glowing energy. It doesn't stop the wyvern but must have messed with it's head. It misses its tail attack and <After the player spends some AD> catches its own tail against the low wall of the road shelter. The wyvern finds itself unceremonious dumped on the ground just outside the enclosure as the alarm begins shrieking to the heavens.
The Hand and Git jump up and move toward the wyvern with The Hand forgoing armor for the sake of speed. The Hand misses with his attack and before Git can act, Ailaya skewers the wyvern with her seemingly oversized sword.
<OOC>
Player J: Seriously!? The mage chick has a huge freaking sword?
Me: Yes. See, I told you mages don't suck in this game.
Player J: This is awesome!
<IC>
After bring down the wyvern the group forms a defensive circle as goblins riding wolves pour out of the darkness. One of them mentions a human needing help and once both Ailaya and Git offer to help, she seems surprised. Git has no idea what this vigil they are speaking of is all about but it sounds interesting. Before leaving, the lead goblin order her people to butcher the wyvern. Neither The Hand nor Ailaya are interested in the meat.
Arriving in the goblin camp is a little unsettling but the discussion with the chief as well as the thoroughly drugged and somewhat delirious Agustin goes well and they are off to the keep. Cautious, but hopeful they can sneak in and grab the Infernum without anyone the wiser.
<OOC>
Bit of time saving on my part. Agustin tells them about the book and that it should still be in the keep. Also, decided that other infernums (lower case "i") were known to mages like Ailaya.
<IC>
They are attacked by two wyverns in the keep. One for lingering near the gateway until The Hand kicks something and again for staring at the summoning circle for too long. Git's intuition tells him to stay away from the stables and head for the kitchen. <Free hint, requested by the player.>
<OOC>
It was now 10:30pm and I asked if they wanted to skip to the end. All agreed so I started scene 4.
<IC>
The Reaper - an inhuman and unnatural demon in the form of an undead wyvern - is summoned and then bursts forth from the circle that failed to imprison it. It begins killing the remaining wyverns as well as the cultists - who as it turns out, summoned it, in a random manner. The party engages for a few rounds and ...
<OOC>
It was time to close up shop so we ended around 10:55pm.
Results:
Player J and Player L both enjoyed themselves. As did Employee D. Apparently, Employee D and Player J know each other. They were seriously interested in more FC games. Player L was new to pnp roleplaying but liked it.
Player J informed the owner that he would be buying a copy on his next payday and then asked if I would be willing to run a standing campaign. I agreed but told them it would be after Thanksgiving due to business and personal reasons.
Another excellent adventure and at least one more new fan of FC.
Happy gaming to all.
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