#Daily Reading

[ashweather]

Daily RPG Readings

Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy, Part 2

Alright, for day two we'll be going over pages 28-39, ending at the heading "Role of the Narrator." This is less than what I wanted to cover each day, but I think its warranted for this section because the next 11 pages are extremely dense, and I have a lot to say about them.

We start off strong, with "Rolls, Investigation, & the Eureka! System." First there's a quick definition of what separates an investigation roll from a non-investigation roll, which is crucial because only investigation rolls grant investigation points and thus contribute to earning a Eureka! (the player resource, not to be confused with the game system itself). I feel this distinction warrants its own section in my overview, as earning Eureka! Points and gathering information is so crucial to the system functioning properly. This distinction could probably stand to be bolded with the next few paragraphs, in my opinion.

Without having seen it in play, I'm cautiously optimistic having investigation rolls be distinct from non-investigation rolls and linking the core momentum mechanic to only investigation rolls. I can see the logic in it - the game wants to be about mystery solving and gathering information, so it rewards that kind of gameplay more heavily. On the other hand, there is a slight risk of action-heavy sequences starving PCs of resources and throwing off the pacing of a longer game. I think it will work out, but I'm very interested to see how it actually works at the table.

Next, a conveniently bolded section covers the core gameplay loop of Eureka, and is noted to be extremely vital for all players to understand. To summarize: the Narrator (GM) describes a location in detail along with any points of interest, investigators see major details without needing to roll (but may need to poke around to find hidden details), and investigation rolls are made about specific clues or points-of-interest when the PCs interact with them in a meaningful way.

That's a reductive description, but I have more to say about it than I really want to outline here (seriously I could write essays about perception and information management in RPGs). I'll stick to the basics: I really, really like that PCs explicitly don't need to roll to notice obvious information. I'm hooting and hollering that we explicitly don't need rolls to get obvious or basic information about specific points of interest. I'm jumping out of my chair and yelling the name of my favorite sports team about the game pointing out that multiple different skills may be used to learn different things about a given point of interest, depending on interpretation.

Anyway this philosophy of information reminds me of GUMSHOE except more explicit about putting the things I like into rules text. I would perhaps like a note that red herrings should be sparing, because players rarely need help coming to wild conclusions based on spotty evidence, but this is a matter of opinion.

Now we learn about the results of an investigation roll at each degree of success, including how many investigation points (abbreviated IP going forward for brevity) are earned towards a Eureka! Point. A Full Success gets a lot of information and 1 IP. A Partial Success grants less information (or a consequence) and 2 IP. A Failure grants no information, but does give a generous 3 IP. We are also told to write down Failures on the character sheet for future use. Once an investigator gains 15 IP, they gain a Eureka! Point, the Eureka systems main reward for PCs and a potent resource. Eureka! Points can be spent to gain information from a previously failed investigation roll OR they can contribute extra odds of success to a non-investigation roll.

I always think granting resources for roll failure is a good idea, because it encourages players to think of 'bad' rolls as potentially exciting paths for the narrative to take rather than as 'losing the game' Since Eureka! Points are such a potent resource, it gives players something to look forward to no matter what the outcome of a roll is. I also love the incorporation of the mystery trope where a previously mysterious clue turns out to be a key piece of information later, once the characters put it into its appropriate context or think about it more deeply. Also, writing down Failed rolls encourages players to dip their toes into note taking and gets them into the habit of ruminating over previously acquired information, which is great for a mystery game.

I think Character moments granting IP and Eureka! adding odds of success to a non-investigation roll are great utilities too, but this section is getting away from me so I'm going to leave it there for now.

Lastly, we have an Example of Play for investigation, which is always an extremely helpful tool for players to be able to see the rules in action. In the scenario, two 1930s detectives are following the trail of a gang of bank robbers and have found one of the suspect's place of employment. We start off with a failed Charm roll that grants 3 IP, demonstrating that Interpersonal skills can be used for investigation just like any other, as long as its in the service of gaining information. The Narrator describes the immediate area, and one of the PCs notes a lack of points of interest (footprints) without needing to roll. The Narrator does not highlight this until the player asks about it, which encourages players to be smart, ask questions, and poke around.

Without giving a play-by-play, we get more investigation rolls demonstrating the various degrees of success for investigation rolls and how they move the narrative along. A Eureka! Point turns the first failed Charm roll into a success, resulting in a climactic moment where hidden compartment underneath a desk is revealed. The PC pushes the desk aside, and there is a note here that even if someone might have difficulty moving this desk in the real world, it is an inappropriate time to call for a roll because failure does not have stakes and would not be interesting (I'm hooting, hollering). Finally, the scene culminates in the beginning of combat as one of the NPCs attempts to stop the investigators in their tracks!

I think the example of play given serves its utility well and shows off the strengths of the sytems. No notes (yet, I might refer back to this later).

[yourmoonmomma]

Daily Reading - Sunday July 7th 2024 - The Magician reversed

July has not been off to a good start for most of y’all, huh? This card is similar to the others that have been pulled this week, it speaks to a difficult day where it is best to focus on rest and recovery. You may be struggling with mental health today, or just general worry for the future and what it may hold. It is a good day to reach out to others to talk about how you’re feeling, or to book a therapy appointment. Things are not as dark as your mind is making them out to be, have faith that the sun will come back out from behind that dark cloud in your brain.

[the-fire-within0]

Reading - Ace of Wands + Sweet Happiness | Deck: Wandering Spirit Tarot

Positive opportunities are coming right around the corner. Your creative ideas are abundant; pursue them with enthusiasm and belief in yourself. Find solace and comfort that you're on the right track.

You're getting a thumbs-up.

[saganssorcery]

𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Dagaz

Today is a transitional phase, the darkness is being cleared away by the light and a new cycle is dawning. An awakening or paradigm shift might take place today which can help clear away any darkness that has clouded your mind from past cycles. This is a symbol of hope that wants you to know that the light will show through soon.

©️Sagans Sorcery 🔥 🖋️

Please check out my Rune services below:

𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀

𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗲𝘀

• 1 Rune readings for £2 GBP

• 3 Rune spreads for £5

- Past, present, future

- Situation, action, outcome

- Overlook

For a full list of my services please check out the featured post pinned on the Sagans Sorcery page.

All readings will be delivered as a photograph and a detailed write up in your inbox or to your email account.

I can usually fulfil requests within 72 hours.

All readings are completely private and confidential.

Please DM me for any information you may need to get your reading underway.

Thank you for taking interest in Sagans Sorcery ✨🙏✨

[littledogtarot]

Pick a card for the weekend of 5/31/24–6/2/24 (brassica edition!):

Card reveals and discussion below the read more!

The Emperor is the fourth card in the Major Arcana. It represents clarity, logic, organization, and rules. The Emperor tends towards straight-talk and unemotional dealings. The card reminds us of the importance of boundaries and standing firm for what we believe in. Sometimes the Emperor can represent the abuse of power by someone in your life. More often, the card represents someone whose rules you'll need to follow for a bit to get what you want. Or, you may be called to act like the Emperor yourself, creating your own structure and sticking to it so you can reach your goal in the end.

The Empress is the third card in the Major Arcana. It represents the "earth mother" archetype, but by no means has to be associated with a female gender. People of any, all, or no genders can embody the kindness, love, and gentle care that the Empress speaks of. The Empress is connected to themself, their family, friends, strangers, animals, the earth... the list goaes on. This card reminds us of the important of taking care—of yourself and others. It also supports any creative, generative projects you may want to work on.

The Magician is the first card in the Major Arcana. It represents ability, energy, and power. This card suggests it's time to take action. You have the capability and competence you need, and if you draw on all your strengths {body, mind, heart, soul}, you can reach your goal. The Magician is an auspicious card and suggests you will succeed at that which you apply yourself to. It will require hard work, but it will be worth it.

This was a fun reading, all the cards were major arcana totally by chance. Also hiiiii, I took a longer than expected break for Memorial Day in the US, but now I’m back!

Deck is the Raven's Prophecy by Maggie Stiefvater.

[alwek]

Rangers Apprentice: book 2; chapter 19

The children yearn for the mines

RIP Glen

Chapter 20

I fucking love a stealth mission, this chapter fucks

Chapter 21

🎶I don't really care 'cause I'm burning some bridges, we don't need no water let it burn to the ground🎶

Chapter 22

The kings daughter is dead but not really oh shit

[lunar-ocean-nymph]

Daily Reading (11/5/24)

Three of Stones

You are grieving, but although the sadness seems overwhelming, it's temporary. This card suggests that you mourn fully so that you can heal, learn, and gain clarity.

[modernidolater]

Starting A New Path

So, I've been bouncing around various witchy paths for years, trying to find one that really resonates with me. Tried Mystic Catholicism, tried Wicca, tried Luciferianism, tried Hermeticism, gave a solid shot at Goetia, tried dozens of spell systems and divination methods.

And honestly?

I am, and always have been, a postmodern pop culture witch. It's what makes me happy. And since 2010, the media that has consistently, constantly, unfailingly given me hope, joy, and comfort is Futurama.

I watch it daily, starting over as soon as it ends. When I had one of the worst years of my life last year, the renewal was my biggest reason for living. I quote it everyday. I find meaning and joy in every part of it. I will read lore while watching episodes and sometimes I just lay in bed and read the transcripts when I am overloaded and can't handle even comforting sounds.

For 13 years, Futurama has been my obsession, my peace, and my love.

So! I will be doing divination with Futurama. I will be creating a digital, and someday physical, altar to Futurama. I will be using Futurama as my sacred text. I will be using the egregores that are the characters. I will celebrate feast days based on the "birthdays" of the characters and milestones in the show. I will be posting daily meditations (hopefully).

Still here? Cool, then join me on this ride as I do the most Futurama thing ever and build a spiritual practice on the back of a sci-fi cartoon. And if you want to ask questions about how or why I do what I'm doing, or how to do it for yourself, I am happy to chat.

Brought to you by 🎶The Space Pope!🎶

[diowinedad]

Oracle Inspired Reading (deck: Gaia)

8/01/24 Question: What message do you have to share for and through me, particularly regarding the energy of August?

Card: Ganesha Tagline: Clearing away obstacles, Protection, Guidance

Take comfort, the hard work that we have put into our growth is starting to bear fruit. This is a card of good omens, a divine confirmation that yes, you are on the right path and yes it will be worth it. Step forward into August knowing and feeling the protection of the divine and how part of that shield comes from the divine within you. Discernment has allowed us to energetically cut through weeds blocking our path and now, we are beckoned to that other side.

I hope this message finds you shining with clarity ♥

[vulpine111]

RACCOON is a sign that I don't need to worry about how I'll make ends meet - I just need to keep taking the initiative whenever possible.

There is plenty of opportunity out there for me and no one can block my blessings.

LAGUZ represents inspiration in my situation.

My imagination is growing more fertile. I have plenty of ideas and will succeed creatively. I can trust myself, my intuition, and my abilities.

SIX OF CUPS is a warning not to dwell on the past, be more compassionate to others who are currently involved with my life.

Let go and heal.

Remember to get some flowers for my Grandparents. It's a good time to show love for others in the form of art and other nice things.

[sapionic]

Aquarius May 7, 2023 Intuitive Message

This is the time to make sure you're putting your money where your mouth is. If you're making all these claims and promises, you either are going forward or falling off from exactly what you are saying.

You're advised to be more about action. This isn't the time to be talking. Also if you have plans, keep them to yourself and just let the results show.

[ashweather]

Daily RPG Readings

Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy, Part 5

If you want to read along with me, you can get the demo copy for free on A.N.I.M.'s official site or head over to their Patreon to get a copy of the latest playtest draft for $5. I'm reading the most recent playtest draft and there are significant differences from the demo copy, just as a heads up.

For part 5, I've stopped lying to myself that I'm ever going to be able to keep up a daily schedule. Today, we'll be going over Pages 94-104, finishing chapter 1. This is a short post, but next time I'll be covering the entirety of character creation, and that's definitely going to be a lot to cover.

Today is all about Traits! Traits, features, powers, perks, whatever you want to call them, they're little mechanical bells and whistles that make a character stand out and really pop off the page. In many TTRPGs they're the most fun part of making a character, and I would argue that holds true for Eureka as well. Investigators get three to six of them initially (but usually three). Traits are sometimes purely beneficial, but especially powerful Traits usually have an attached drawback. These are one of my favorite parts of game design, so let's get granular and cover some highlights!

Bumbling Detective lets characters take after Inspector Clouseau (the book might not be able to mention copyrighted characters, but I sure can!) and be a bumbling fool who completely botches the investigation but then saves the day in the nick of time! Mechanically, the character is more likely to fail Knowledge rolls but more quickly accrues valuable Eureka! Points.

Elementary! is a trait that emulates the famous "biography-at-a-glance" of Sherlock Holmes... or, at least, the character thinks they're that good. An investigator with this this trait can have the Narrator make a hidden Social Cues roll (essentially the skill for reading people), and learn two facts about a person - but the investigator has no idea which of these facts is correct or incorrect.

Final Girl gives a small bonus to Physical Skill rolls when facing off alone against supernatural threats, and also allows the character to spend Eureka! Points to hinder a supernatural threat's rolls rather than just boosting their own. Its a very fun survivor's trait, taking after the time-honored tradition of "final girls" in horror movies. Of course, the character taking the trait need not actually be a girl.

Just One More Thing... is similar to the Bumbling Detective Trait, but for Interpersonal Skills instead of Knowledge. If you somehow didn't pick up from the name, its the Columbo Trait. You know, Columbo? You agree. Reblog.

My Glasses! gives a flat +1 bonus to all investigation rolls, but gives a possibility of the character's glasses getting knocked off in any combat encounter. As long as their glasses are off, they become pretty useless but also blind to the stresses of the situation with a +2 to all Composure rolls. A must have for the Velma Dinkley fans out there.

Not Finished Yet is for a bloodied and beaten investigator dragging their body through the dirt to see a case through. The character has double HP, but if they have less than half of that at any point in the story, they succumb to their injuries and die as soon as the story ends. This one's a personal favorite, as I'm a sucker for stories about the irrepressible human spirit.

Unpredictable is a fun one - add a +1 to all non-investigation rolls. However, all rolls are made with a 1d12 instead of a 2d6, making both Full Successes and total Failures far more likely.

[yourmoonmomma]

Daily Reading - Thursday July 11th 2024 - Nine of Pentacles - SOTD: Song About You by Mike Posner

Today may have been a better day, or at least you’re ending the day feeling a bit more secure and sure of yourself. Many of you may have made steps towards a goal you’ve set, or even just outlined the steps you need to take, and it’s given you sense of accomplishment. Your work doesn’t end here, but be proud of yourself for those small successes nonetheless.

[thefairytarot]

MAJOR ARCANA OF THE WEEK (Feb, 20-26)

THE CHARIOT - Rider Waite tarot deck

Moving forward. This week is full of discipline, trust, and a laser-sharp sight on your desires. Spiritual guidance is strong and you will naturally be led toward your fated way. Inner guidance is also very present, you will be the one lighting the way for others too, like stars in the dark. Work-related trips or quick vacations are likely.

🌱🍄🌿🌱🌱🌿🌱🍄🌿🌱🌱🌿🌱🍄🌿🌱🌱🌿🌱🍄🌿🌱🌱🌿🌱🍄🌿

[want a personal reading? Check out my page!]

[saganssorcery]

𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Wunjo

Today is a day of happiness and joy to be had. Loving relations are hinted at here. It would be an ace day to focus on anything that brings you joy and following your passions. Working with others would also be fruitful, or even just chillin with friends. Simply put, enjoy yourself.

©️Sagans Sorcery 🔥 🖋️

Please check out my Rune services below:

𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗲𝘀

• 1 Rune readings for £2 GBP

• 3 Rune spreads for £5 - Past, present, future - Situation, action, outcome - Overlook

For a full list of my services please check out the featured post pinned on the Sagans Sorcery page.

All readings will be delivered as a photograph and a detailed write up in your inbox or to your email account. I can usually fulfil requests within 72 hours. All readings are completely private and confidential. Please DM me for any information you may need to get your reading underway.

Thank you for taking interest in Sagans Sorcery ✨🙏✨

[littledogtarot]

Someone was FAR more interested in his bone than his cards this morning. Maybe I should get him into osteomancy??

From the Seven of Coins to the Two of Coins—an interesting succession. Yesterday's Seven of Coins asked us to reflect on work we've already put in. Today's Two of Coins asks you to consider the work in front of you, and how to plan to carry it out. You have a lot on your plate right now, and for the time being, you don't see that letting up. Rather than letting go of a responsibility or goal, this card asks you to get flexible about how to manage it all. You may need to set some things down temporarily, only to pick them back up again when you set something else down. It's a lot to manage, but you can do it. You just need to get creative.

Deck is Kawaii Tarot by Lulu Mayo.