Sunday, March 31, 2024

Stealthy Lock Picker 2.0 -- More player choice


Based on reader feedback, I revised my "Stealthy Lock Picker" one-page solo RPG to include more player choice.  I hope you like it!






Monday, March 25, 2024

Stealthy Lock Picker -- Free, one-page solo RPG

 


You're a rogue, picking a lock. 

Don't break your lock picks. 

Shh! Quiet! Don't draw the attention of the Guardian.








100 Elf Sayings

 


Elf Archer

100 Elf Sayings

[from my Reddit post: 

https://www.reddit.com/r/d100/comments/1bhres4/lets_build_roleplaying_an_elfd100_phrases_to_get/]

Some players (especially new players) are nervous about roleplaying because they don’t know what their type of character (race, class, background, etc.) would say. Let’s build little “cheat sheets” of 100 things that a common character type could say in some common roleplaying situations. 

  • When you first set off on an adventure, or start a new day

  • When you think your group’s plan of action sounds good, and you agree

  • When you think your group’s plan of action stinks, and you disagree

  • When you want to Taunt / Insult / Intimidate a foe

  • When you want to Encourage / Praise / Comfort a comrade

  • When you conclude an adventure, or end a day

Of course, a player's character say anything that fits the situation, but this would be a little list that the player could pull from for inspiration or for a quick phrase in a moment when the player doesn’t know what to say. Just sprinkle a phrase here and there during a play session when it seems like the character should say something.

  1. “The stars do not wait upon the lethargic. Let us start/resume our noble quest.” [To start a new day] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  2. “A moment, my friends. I believe what is needed here is a bit of cool-headed elven logic and reason, [then say your idea]” [When you have an idea to share] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  3. “You, sir, are the foul remnants of an orc’s bad digestion!” [To insult a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  4. “Fear not, young one, the golden sun (or silvery moon) shall shine again.” [To encourage/comfort a comrade] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  5. And now the melodious harmony of an elven incantation shall end the dissonance of your corrupted soul. [elf magician destroying a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  6. Now that’s a tale the minstrels shall recount for the next 300 years. [At conclusion of adventure] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  7. In the name of the Sylvan Court, I offer up my prayers for your swift recovery. May the essence of the forest infuse you with strength and grant you respite from affliction. [elven cleric healing an ally] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  8. Merciless were the hands of Man with Spring's bounty... [when the food's not great][u/howlinghenbane]

  9. And now we ride, like the leaves upon the wind. [let's get going] [u/howlinghenbane]

  10. The wisdom of your words begets honor, my friend. [you agree with the plan] [u/howlinghenbane]

  11. I'm yet to be convinced that this plan merits a stanza in our song. [you think the plan is perhaps unwise] [u/howlinghenbane]

  12. Alas, far away is the rest of [the elven homeland's name]. [the inn's bed was uncomfortable] [u/howlinghenbane]

  13. Bid thy woes farewell, Children of [place]! [announce your arrival] [u/howlinghenbane]

  14. Perhaps we should entertain the thought that [insert your idea]. [to suggest an idea] [u/howlinghenbane]

  15. Dear friend, what tinges your visage with such sorrow? [to encourage an ally] [u/howlinghenbane]

  16. I shall pass the undying shame of your defeat on to your family. [on intimidate a foe] [u/howlinghenbane]

  17. Fate's design saw it unfit. ["something did not work out"] [u/howlinghenbane]

  18. Stand back! Or the ancient magic of this elven staff shall strike you down with the One Tree's might! [magic user intimidating a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  19. [sigh] How narrow is the vision of those with so few years. [the plan is bad because you don't have much experience because your lifespan is so short] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  20. "I've got my sneaky boots on and a very twitchy bow finger." [refrain from an elvish drinking song, also used to intimidate foes]

  21. Let sleeping dragons lie. [traditional elvish wisdom]

  22. Fear not, young one--This is not the beginning of the end, but merely the end of the beginning! [to encourage an ally] [u/ProfBumblefingers, with a nod to Churchill]

  23. Sally forth, brave comrades! We shall all rest in Avalon on the appointed day, but today is not that day! [to encourage allies] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  24. As the winds whisper through the ancient forest, so too do I whisper words of healing. Feel the power of the calming song, banishing pain and bringing renewal. [elvish cleric healing an ally] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  25. I unleash the power of a thousand years of elven arcane art to rid the world of your offensive visage! [elf magic user prepares to destroy a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  26. Attack me, if you must, but these pointy ears shall never count among your battle trophies! [to intimidate a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  27. By the light of the first moon and the wisdom of ages past, I channel the enduring energies of renewal. Let the healing touch of the elves flow through you, restoring what once was lost. [elven cleric healing an ally] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  28. Advice is a dangerous gift, best taken with caution. [traditional elvish wisdom]

  29. Retreat is your best option, sir! This bow is strong, and my aim is true. [to intimidate a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  30. The hand of fate favors you this day; an elf is here to mend the unfortunate results of your reckless mistakes. [elf cleric/druid heals an ally] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  31. Do not advance another step, sir, or you will do so with an arrow through the eye. [to intimidate a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  32. A wish is as dangerous as a dwarf with an axe. [age-old elvish wisdom]

  33. Hear the song of the Fates! They sing of your imminent demise, head parted neatly from torso by my keen elvish blade! [to intimidate a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  34. Fate smiles upon you, my friend. Ancient elven wisdom shall restore your flagging [spirit/strength/courage/etc.] this day. [elven cleric, druid, etc., heals an ally] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  35. Come, my comrades, the day lies before us. With courage we shall live to sing its glory. [to start the day] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  36. Arise, my friends, from your sweet slumber. I've watched over you this night, and now it's time to continue our story. [to start the day] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  37. Rest, my friends. Great deeds deserve a calm moment of reflection and repose.[while making camp, long rest] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  38. Begone, I say! Else the unbridled power of the elvish arcane shall end your pathetic days among the living! [elvish magic user intimidating a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  39. A dagger on the hip is less dangerous than a quill in hand. [elvish diplomats' wisdom]

  40. With this ancient incantation, I weave the threads of life anew. May the wisdom of our ancestors knit your wounds, bringing solace and restoration. [elf cleric healing an ally] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  41. Far have I traveled to slay you this day! Now shall you feel the bite of my keen-edged blade, forged by untiring elven smiths in a blinding fire of purity and grace! [to intimidate a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  42. I've prepared a spot of elvish tea for you late sleepers. Drink, and be invigorated. Great deeds lie ahead. [to start the day] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  43. The situation is dire, but our will is unflagging! Arise! Take heart! By the grace of the One Tree we shall yet win the day! [to encourage allies] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  44. As the rivers flow and the seasons turn, so too does the cycle of life continue. I invoke the blessings of my elven ancestors, bringing healing to body and spirit. [an elvish cleric/druid heals an ally] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  45. Though the darkness surrounds us, fear not. The light still shines from within. [to encourage allies] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  46. I think it wise to pause here, I suspect the full ramifications of this course of action have not been specified in sufficient detail. [to disagree to a plan] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  47. Good, yes--even an elven counsel might sanction this plan . . . with a bit of hesitation, perhaps, but yes, let us proceed with caution. [to agree to a plan] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  48. Distance is the finest armor. [common elvish battle strategy]

  49. I do not sleep, and I do not fear, and I do not care for your miserable form. May this elvish rite end your days among the creatures of this fair land! [elf magician attacking a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  50. As long as the light still shines from this pure elven heart, you shall fear the whistle of my arrow and the sting of my longsword's strike! [to intimidate a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  51. Take heart, comrades! The brave shall yet see the sun rise and hear the birds sing! [to encourage allies] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  52. The greatest swordsman wields a sheathed sword. [elvish wisdom]

  53. Fight bravely, my friends! Be worthy of the poet's quill! [to encourage allies] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  54. Do not tarry, sleepy ones, the golden dawn breaks upon the misty horizon. [to start a new day] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  55. With this spell I bid farewell to your sad soul, as it leaves the stage of your life's short performance. [elf magician ending a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  56. Do not approach, or the sweet song of my sword shall sever that vile head from your sweaty neck! [to intimidate a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  57. Let us pause a moment, young ones--I fear this endeavor may not fully achieve the desired outcome. [to disagree with a plan] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  58. Ambitious, this plan. Admirable, yes, but a bit too ambitious, I suspect. [to disagree with a plan] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  59. "Out-think! Out-shoot! Out-maneuver!" [elvish regimental battle chant]

  60. From the darkest depths of the sea below to the sun-filled heights of clouds above, I call upon the divine grace of the elven gods to fill you with vitality and mend your injuries. [elf cleric healing an ally] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  61. Flee, you fools! Or the ancient elven magic bound within me shall be unleashed to strike you down and end your wretched days! [elven magic user intimidates a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  62. I concur. Let us continue our song of adventure, that others may hear, take heart, and resist the fell darkness! [to agree to a plan] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  63. The life-song of my enemies will be cut short this day! [to rally friends, intimidate a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  64. In the dance of light and shadow, I find the balance needed to mend. Let the radiance of the sacred groves envelop you, bringing comfort and renewal in your time of need. [an elven cleric heals an ally] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  65. Turn and run, you foul creature, or I shall be forced to end the song of your soul! [to intimidate a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  66. Even the mighty oak bends in a strong wind. [know when it's best to compromise/retreat] [elvish battle wisdom]

  67. Rise! Rise, my comrade! The light of your soul shines still, and your song is unfinished! [to encourage a downed ally] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  68. All is not lost, my bow yet sings the song of my ancestors! [to rally your friends] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  69. "Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes." [Frodo, commenting on the mysteries of elvish advice]

  70. Your days are few in number, young one. Rise, take courage, and live them to the end. [elven cleric/druid heals an ally] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  71. Speak/sing well, my friend, earn the envy of the songbirds. [to encourage a bard] [u/nagonjin]

  72. I would counsel against this endeavor; I fear the outcome may not be as sanguine as one might hope. [to disagree with a plan] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  73. “Don’t praise the light of day before the dark of night” [don’t count your chickens before they hatch] [u/PfenixArtwork]

  74. A word from me and ancient elven magic shall slay you upon the spot. Now leave. [elven magic user intimidates a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  75. "Good as a wet bowstring" [elvish description of something that is useless] [u/FoxInSox2]

  76. In the embrace of nature's grace, let wounds fade and strength renew! May the whispers of the forest mend your flesh and soothe your spirit. [elf cleric healing an ally] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  77. Turn away, I say! Or my ancient elven incantation shall lay low your wretched form and leave it quivering upon the embarrassed ground! [spell caster intimidates a foe][u/ProfBumblefingers]

  78. “A quiet forest means trouble” [u/PfenixArtwork]

  79. Rally, my friends! Your short days are not yet at an end! [to encourage allies] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  80. "Wisdom cannot be bought but always comes at a price" [u/Vynaxos]

  81. This ancient elven staff knows the number of your days, and your days are now at an end. [elven magic user intimidates a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  82. The art of the elvish archer this day shall paint the portrait of your demise! [to intimidate a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  83. "Mayflies." [elf slang for humans, due to mayflies' short lifespan] [u/k-mazov]

  84. Run, yes run, you villainous spawn! . . . or my blade shall cut your fleeting life shorter still! [to intimidate a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  85. "A Man's Age" [elven unit of time, equal to 60-80yrs] [u/nix131]

  86. Stand back! Or I shall write an elvish poem upon your loathsome corpse! [to intimidate a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  87. May the stars watch over your path. [u/Martinus_XIV]

  88. FEAR this terrible bow! Its wood from a ancient yew. Crafted by high-born elves. VENGEANCE comes for you! [to intimidate a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  89. Fool, you have annoyed me. Submit now, or know the terrible might of an offended elvish mage !!!! [elf magician intimidating a foe] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  90. You need to sharpen your ears. [you need be wiser / more cautious] [u/zoundtek808]

  91. May the light of the One Tree heal your body and restore your soul. [elven cleric/druid heals an ally] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  92. Find a space within the noise and listen to the silence. [elven cleric/druid wisdom] [u/soldyne]

  93. Stand fast! It is always darkest just before the dawn. [to encourage an ally] [u/ProfBumblefingers]

  94. "The stars are veiled. Something stirs in the [east, west, etc.]." [Legolas, warning that foes are on the march]

  95. "Few can foresee whither their road will lead them, till they come to its end." [Legolas, musing on the vagaries of fate]

  96. “Farewell, and may the blessing of Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you. May the stars shine upon your faces!” [Elrond, offering a fond farewell]

  97. "The hearts of men are easily corrupted." [Galadriel, musing on her human allies]

  98. "You have no power here! You are nameless! Faceless! Formless! Go back to the void from whence you came!" [Galadriel, intimidating a big bad]

  99. "May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out." [Galadriel, offering a magical light to Frodo, maybe you say this when offering a torch/lantern to a comrade]

  100. "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future." [Galadriel, offering encouragement to us all]


Also, here's an older Reddit thread with some fun advice on playing an Elf:

https://www.reddit.com/r/rpg/comments/4rcdpz/how_to_play_an_elven_character_when_you_are_not/