#i mean i liked lll as it was coming out but i definitely missed a lot of the freddie kit stuff and a lot of the things under the surface

[pike-the-monstah]

lolilo is so much better and more complex and nuanced than i remember although i think thats in large part due to finally reading @beatriceeagles metas

[dmsden]

Location, Location, Location - Ythmar’s Lair

Hullo, Gentle Readers. Well, we’re coming towards the end of our Year of the Dragon, as well as to chillier weather, and I thought I’d make sure we got some draconic goodness in before the end of the year. So this month’s LLL article features a dragon, Ythmar the White. She’s a young white dragon who has just recently been forced out of the nest by her parents, and she’s trying to carve out a lair for herself along a trade route, hoping to amass a decent hoard and establish dominance. To this end, she is bullying a group of local yetis to do the job for her. 

This adventure is for 5 5th level PCs. The party starts as caravan guards traveling through the Snowcrest Mountains (or whatever snowy, cold location you want to use.) The caravan has bedded down for the night. I would find out what sleep watching order the PCs might have decided on, and, sometime in the dead of night, there is a yeti attack. You can describe the chaos, as most of the battle is partly obscured due to the darkness (luckily the bright moon and the snow don’t make it totally obscured.) Yeti darkvision means they have better visibility than the human caravan guards, although some PCs might be equal to them.

“Room″ 1 - Roleplaying with the caravan. This is a great time to introduce any NPCs you might want to have appear as recurring characters. The caravan master, Rhutan, is a half-orc with a reputation for being tough but fair. He has an eyepatch, and rumors among his crew say that he took his own eye in worship of Gruumsh in his youth. He says the wound was fighting orcs for survival, and he gets hot if questioned too closely.

Along with the various merchants, there’s a small family of halflinks. Daron and Vera, along with their little daughter Amelie and Vera’s sister Nesta, are headed along to try and make a new life in the village the caravan is headed to. Daron is a doting husband and father, and Amelie should be adorable. Nesta is a bit ill from the cold, and Vera is trying to see to her.

“Room” 2 - Yeti Ambush: Don’t forget things like the rules for donning armor and the like, as some of the PCs might have been asleep and totally unprepared. They must face 2 yeti who are attacking their area of the camp. They can see other yeti attacking other areas, but, as long as they deal with their yeti, the caravan will overcome the battle with relatively little damage. At the end of the fight, the caravan master comes around, checking for any fatalities. Of course, at some point, Daron comes along in a panic...Amelie is missing. 

“Room” 3 - Investigating. As might be guessed, when the battle went against the Yeti, the surviving ones fled. Some of them grabbed whatever they could before fleeing. Amelie was hiding in an apple barrel which one of the yetis grabbed. Daron can say that he shoved Amelie into a cart and told her to hide as he brandished his pitchfork, helping some of the other caravan guards to defend it. In the confusion, however, one of the stealthier yetis managed to rip open the wagon’s canvas top and grab a couple of barrels to bring back to Ythmar in tribute. Perception and Investigation will notice the ripped canvas and the missing barrels. Perception or Investigation can find the Yeti tracks. Survival can be used to track the Yeti to a cliff-face. Nature checks can tell the PCs that Yetis are excellent are stealth and climbing. If the DM wishes, they could have a scene with Athletics and/or Acrobatics to follow the Yeti up the cliff-face, or there could be enough ledges that there’s no need.

“Room” 4 - Guards. At the top, there’s a fairly large and obvious cave. Inside, a Yeti is standing with a winter wolf, guarding the entrance. The Yeti will unleash the winter wolf and try to run to warn Ythmar about intruders. The DM can certainly introduce treacherous icy terrain in the field. The PCs must either treat this as Difficult terrain or make Acrobatics checks to avoid going Prone.

“Room” 5 - The Dragon’s Lair. Here, a Yeti has just presented with their latest tribute, and the dragon is not pleased. A few barrels of apples are not of much interest to her. Depending on how well the PCs are doing, you can decide one of two scenarios. Either the dragon has just used its freezing breath on the Yeti, killing it, or the Yeti is still alive. If the PCs have been badly hurt, I recommend the former, having the dragon start alone and needing to recharge her breath. If the PCs are in good shape, have the Yeti still alive and Ythmar’s dragon’s breath ready to use.

In any case, the party should definitely be able to recover the dragon’s hoard and save little Amelie. The dragon doesn’t know Amelie is there, yet, but, if the PCs take their time trying to enter stealthily, she can certainly discover the little “Snack”. This could make some great tension as the dragon “plays with her food”. You could also ratchet up some tension by making sure Amelie’s barrel is right in front of the dragon, making the PCs wary about using area of effect spells and making the prospect of the dragon using her breath a somewhat scarier one. 

If they are successful, the PCs should definitely get a reward. Although Ythmar doesn’t have anything resembling a dragon’s hoard, I would still recommend having there be treasure enough to make a CR 5 Hoard, either recoverable from the lair or else given as a reward by the caravan and Amelie’s parents. If there’s a cool magic-item, you could give this as an heirloom than Daron and Vera give them.

[engagemachine]

Hi! So I had a couple of questions/ideas about Burn that I've been wondering that I'd thought I'd pick your brain about! First, have you ever thought a lot about how J and Taylor are percieved by others when they're out together? I don't mean just folks like Ressling or villains like Black Mask (although I'd love to know more about what thinks about those two) but regular people who've never met either of them, that they pass on the street or come across at a restaurant or something like that. Or like Taylor's teachers when she was stil in school if J was ever incognito there. Can folks pick up on the massive intensity those two have when it comes to each other? You know, how focused they both are on each other, how they're both obsesses with each and can pick up on it with them even having to do much?And also find it odd to see? Cause it's not normal? I don't know if this is strange but I kind of like the idea of Taylor and J really putting people off cause they don't know what to make of them. (1)

Hi!!! Thank you so much for your question! I just received both of your asks and will be answering part two separately, but, my gosh, both of your asks are fabulous (!) and I LOVE penetrative questions like this that really force me to think and also give me the chance to touch on something that I haven't explored yet in Burn.

I have been thinking a lot about how the two of them are perceived when they're together, especially in relation to the upcoming chapter ten, because it's definitely the must public they've ever been since Part V of JK, when they go on their "road trip."

It's definitely an intriguing thought -- how the two of them must appear to outsiders. I don't think the heat of their shared energy could lend itself to the credibility of them being father and daughter, or uncle and niece, as they have pretended to be in the past. You'll recall the scene in Part V in JK where they run into that biker at the gas station. He immediately sees their relationship for what it is. Now whether that's because he senses an "energy", asked Taylor some pretty invasive/prodding questions, or whether he's just used to picking up girls in these small, desolate towns where it's pretty easy and probably very common for girls to go missing/be trafficked, I ultimately leave that determination up to the reader. But he definitely sensed/knew that there was more to their relationship than what she and the Joker were letting on.

As for how the two of them would appear to everyone else... apart from the school dance in Chapter Five of Burn (where he was masked the entire time), the Joker has made a point of not involving himself in her school matters -- mostly because he hasn't had to, but also because I don't think, realistically, he could show up at an institution like that and play her dad, or her uncle (Part l of JK not withstanding -- he got pretty lucky there, charmed the hell out of that woman at the front desk). I think in instances when he and Taylor have been out on the town together, places like the aquarium, I don't think people would think they're together in an intimate way. The age difference is too obvious, and in the example of the aquarium, where they're surrounded by hyper-vigilant watchdog mommies and hoards of fourth graders on school field trips, he makes a point of keeping his distance, lets her roam free while he tucks himself into the shadows, kind of watches her from afar.

In some other public places they've been -- such as some of the diners and restaurants they've eaten at together -- he always picks the kind of establishment where people aren't really going to even blink an eye at them. I'm sure if someone were watching them from afar, they might pick up on the palpable energy that crackles between them, but otherwise, most people simply aren't paying enough attention, even though the Joker does note in JK (Part lll) how Taylor tends to draw attention in sordid places like that (he notes that she looks like easy prey -- a pretty astute observation given what ends up happening in chapter nine. Ugh).

With all that being said... he and Taylor haven't been very openly affectionate in public yet, so the short answer to your question is that there just hasn't been a whole lot of opportunities or scenarios for people to question whether there was "something more". As it stands, however, this is all about to change in chapter eleven, where people will have ample opportunity to observe them in public (while he's in "disguise", of course) and I do plan to address that in one of their POV's, or possibly both.

Needless to say, they're not going to be passing as "uncle" and "niece" for much longer.

[scarletwidowvibes]

Raining

Peter Maximoff x Reader

A/N: okay soooo the whole Apocalypse thing happened in like 1983 so I searched up video games from that time period, tried my best lol.

After the events of Apocalypse, you, Ororo, and Warren all went to Charles’ School. Of course many of the students there didn’t trust you, so you three stuck close together. 

Peter, a little speedster who you helped out in the battle, was stuck in the infirmary with a broken leg. You were currently in the infirmary, sitting next to Peter on a chair.

Peter Maximoff, one of the only students who didn’t look at you with disdain. You sat by his bed, refilling his water, keeping it cold, trying to entertain him with your powers.

“Y/n,” Peter whined, “I’m bored.” 

Keeping the speedster entertained was proving to be a difficult task, but it was also helping you become closer with Hank, who was on his last nerve.

“What do you want me to do?” You ask, trying to keep the tired from your voice.

“Can we go outside, and you show me one of your insane powers. Hank keeps boasting about them and I wanna see.” Peter says, looking up at you.

“As long as Hank says it’s okay.” You say, looking over at Hank who nods silently.

“Yay!” Peter yells, sitting up in his bed and swinging his legs over the side.

“Be careful.” You warn him, helping him off the bed, “We have to find Ororo.” 

“Why?” Peter asks, allowing you to help him out of the infirmary.

“Because my coolest power only works with Ororo.” You explain, stopping in the living area to see Warren and Ororo sitting on the couch.

“Oro, I need you,” You tell her then gesture to Peter, “a display of power.”

“Fine.” Ororo says, heaving herself off the couch. Warren follows silently, ignoring Peter’s odd look. The four of you walk to a more deserted part of the school where you and Ororo can safely show off your joined powers.

Since many of the younger students have already wanted to see a display of your powers Charles organized a space where you could show them safely. The large field, which sometimes is used for the school sports, is currently littered with metal mannequins.

“Okay, Warren can you help support Peter?” You ask, not really expecting Warren to actually agree.

“Uhh sure.” Warren mumbles, hooking one of Peter’s arms around his shoulder. Peter silently watches you and Ororo.

Ororo raises her hands to the sky, focusing her mind on the rain stored in the clouds. It starts raining in a perfect circle around the group of metal mannequins, just missing your group.

You focus on the water droplets, feeling them in your skin. You reshape them, making them from drops to sharp spikes and solidifying the tips. The water spikes fall just like the drops but when they hit the mannequins they pierce the metal. 

In a few short seconds the mannequins fall to the ground in piles, looking more like scrap metal. You step back, any connection with the water being lost. Ororo stops the rain, looking over to see Peter’s reaction.

Peter looks amazed, flickering his eyes from you to Ororo then to the destroyed mannequins.

“That was incredible!” Peter yells, clapping for you and Ororo and almost falling. Warren wraps an arm around Peter’s waist to keep him upright.

“Okay time to go back to Hank.” You say through a smile, taking Peter from Warren. Peter frowns at you, trying to give you puppy eyes. 

“I’m sure Hank could use a break,” Ororo cuts in, “and we’re not doing anything.”

“What were you thinking Oro?” You ask, trying to ignore how happy Peter looks.

“Video games. We’ve never really been able to play them, maybe Peter can help teach us.” Ororo says, gesturing to you and Warren.

“What? You guys have never played video games?” Peter asks, absolutely astonished.

“I mean we have a little.” You defend, shrugging.

“Well I’m more of an arcade game kinda guy but I have played my fair share of video games, I can definitely show you guys some tips.” Peter says, smiling at the three of you.

“Cool, let’s go.” Warren says, looping Peter’s other arm around his shoulders and helping him walk back to the school.

Ororo and Warren start up the console and grab the necessary remotes then sit on the couch. Peter sits on the chair and you sit on a comfy pillow on the floor.

First you four play Mario Bros. then Peter shows you Ultima lll: Exodus and then Halloween. 

“Oro no, you go over there.” Peter says, pointing at the screen. Ororo slightly flinches at the sound of her nickname coming out of an unfamiliar mouth but Peter doesn’t notice, too busy instructing.

“Y/n where are you going?” He asks.

“There’s a hole here, I’m trying to jump into it.” You say, pressing all the buttons on the controller.

“You can’t jump there, it’s just the design.” Peter informs you.

“Well that’s stupid.” You say with a huff, falling back against the chair.

“You guys go slow.” Warren complains, already much further ahead.

“Well sorry I like to look at all my options.” You say, glaring at Warren.

“This is boring.” Ororo chimes in, moving her character in circles.

“Well what do you want to do now?” Warren asks, looking over at Ororo.

“I don’t know, just not this.” She declares, setting her controller down.

“I have an idea,” Hank says from the door way, effectively scaring the group, “how about Peter gets back to the infirmary? Your leg is not completely healed.”

“Ugh fineee.” Peter drawls, getting up. Warren rolls his eyes at Hank, Ororo sighs, and you debate getting up and following Peter or staying with the others. Peter looks over at you with puppy eyes and Hank huffs out a sigh.

“Y/n, do you mind coming with us.” Hank says, rubbing a hand against his eye.

“Uh sure.” You reply, getting up, giving Ororo and Warren a hug, and then following Hank and Peter to the infirmary.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

You’re twirling ice around your fingertips, tracing shapes onto the bedside table while Peter gets a check up. Warren looks over from his bed, fluttering his wings, trying to get comfortable. Ororo is reading ancient texts from the library, making it sprinkle outside for ambiance.

You draw some moisture from the glass, letting it float through the air and disappear into mist. You catch a raindrop in your hand, molding it into a small rose. You freeze it and send it over to Warren, who places it neatly onto his stack of other ice trinkets you’ve made him.

The calming mood is temporarily ruined when Peter comes bursting through the door and basically flies onto your bed.

“Hank says I’m all clear!” He cheers, looking excitedly at everyone.

“That’s great.” You three say in unison, smiling over at Peter.

“So what are you guys doing?” Peter asks, moving right along.

“Just chillin, not much to do, it’s almost time for lights out.” Ororo says, sticking a random sheet of paper into her book and then heading to the bathroom.

You collect a couple raindrops, making a bouquet of roses and giving it to Peter. Warren flutters his wings again, getting up and taking Ororo’s place in the bathroom once she comes back out.

“So do you have a room or what?” Warren asks in the midst of brushing his teeth.

“Oh,” Peter stumbles, “I was kind of hoping I could stay here, with you guys.”

“That’s fine, but we only have three beds.” You tell him, closing the screen on the window.

“Can I share with you?” Peter asks, making Warren snort as he leaves the bathroom.

“Don’t keep us up, that’s my rule.” Warren says, laying face down onto his bed.

“Yes, you can share a bed with me.” You say with a smile, getting up to brush your teeth. Peter follows suit, grabbing an extra toothbrush from under the sink.

You lay down on your bed, twirling your fingers against your arms. Warren settles into his bed, looking at his small collection of ice trinkets. Ororo sits against the wall on her bed, using the moonlight to read. Peter lays down next to you, watching you doodle with ice on your arms.

“Is it cold?” He whispers, staring at the designs. You shake your head, drawing him closer and tracing patterns onto his skin. He sighs contently, leaning his head against your shoulder as you doodle along his skin.

It’s been difficult for you, Ororo, and Warren to fall asleep. You all have your own separate reasons but you’re also all on alert, it’s hard to relax in the night. Peter falls asleep easily in your arms, feeling safe. You continue to draw with ice on him, it puts you at ease.

Warren wraps his wings around himself like a shield and watches as you make the ice trinkets dance. The slow movements let him drift into a light sleep and he holds on to a pillow you made that’s in the shape of his old angel wings.

Ororo reads herself to sleep, pressed against the window and half wrapped in a blanket. She listens to the sprinkling rain and watches the droplets race down the glass. You draw a heart on the pane she’s against, one that stays throughout the night next to her.

You watch as Warren’s eyes flutter closed, his wings loosening up, clutching the pillow. You look over at Ororo who’s drifting in between sleep, her fingers folded in the book and her head resting against the window. Then you glance at Peter, who’s wrapped around your body and sleeping soundly. You smile at your tight knit group, drifting into a light sleep. Always on alert, ready for the worst, but tonight you let yourself relax. Confident nothing will happen.