Tale of the Manticore

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Shownotes for Dice Chain 13-15

(General)

Theme Rise of a Hero · Infraction Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6ChLebsTYw

Some FX https://www.zapsplat.com, Pixabay.com

(For Part 15)

'The Long Dark' by Scott Buckley (www.scottbuckley.com.au) - released under CC-BY 4.0.

Various tracks by Tabletop Audio ( https://tabletopaudio.com) - released under CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0. Minor modifications (fading/splitting) made to support this podcast format with written permission from the creator.

More Notes for Part 15

Aristan's Ironsworn Stats:

Health: 2/5

Spirit: 3/5

Supply: 3/5

Momentum: 5/10

Creature Stats:

Demon-Kin - EXTREME (in Scene 3)

Description:

The size of a small dragon, the demon-kin belongs to the realms of hell. It has a cat-like lower body with four claws, and is covered head to claw in thick black scaly snake-like armor. It runs and moves like a cat, but where a cat’s head would end, a serpent-like torso extends, ending in a large serpent-like head. Beneath the head, an extra set of fore-arm limbs ends in vicious, sharp, scythe-like blades, hard as steel and strong and sharp enough of felling a small tree in a couple of strong blows. It has cat-like crimson narrow eyes, capable of seeing in all but pitch black, and a forked tongue darts out between rows of sword-like teeth.

Features:

Huge size
Lithe cat-like body with scale armor
Scythe like forearm blades
Serpent-like striking speed
Many teeth like iron swords
Insatiable need to feed

Tactics:

Hunt in the dark
Thrill of the chase
Spear and rend
Grapple and feed

Alternate Ending

DiceChain - Link 15 (Alternate Ending) - Part 1

DiceChain - Link 15 (Alternate Ending) - Part 2

DiceChain - Link 15 (Alternate Ending) - Part 3

Sunday, October 11, 2026

Shownotes for Dice Chain 9-10 & 11-12

Theme Rise of a Hero · Infraction Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6ChLebsTYw

Some FX https://www.zapsplat.com

Monday, September 21, 2026

Shownotes for Dice Chain 4-6 & 7-8

Aristan (Ironsworn)

Abilities:

Iron 2
Edge 2
Shadow 1
Wits 1
Heart 3

Statuses:

Health: 5/5
Spirit: 2/5
Supply: 3/5
Momentum: 2/10

Ironclad:

When you Endure Harm in a fight, add +2 and take +1 momentum on a hit. Additionally, when you Clash while geared for war, add +1, and when you Compel in a situation where strength of arms is a factor, add +2.

Commander:

You lead a warband with +4 strength. Roll +strength when you command your warband to Face Danger, Secure an Advantage, Compel, or Battle. When you face the negative outcome of any move, you may suffer -1 strength as the cost. When you Make Camp or Sojourn and score a hit, take +1 strength. While at 0 strength, this asset counts as a debility. You may dispatch scouts from your warband to Gather Information or Resupply; if you do, roll +strength. Once you Forge a Bond with your warband,

take +1 momentum on a hit when you leverage a warband ability.

Swordmaster:

If you wield a sword... When you Strike or Clash and burn momentum to improve your result, inflict +2 harm. If the fight continues, add +1 on your next move. When you Clash and score a strong hit, add +1 if you immediately follow with a Strike. When you Swear an Iron Vow by kneeling and grasping your sword’s blade, add +1 and take +1 momentum on a hit. If you let the edge draw blood from your hands, Endure Harm (1 harm) in exchange for an additional +1 momentum on a hit.

Theme Rise of a Hero · Infraction Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6ChLebsTYw

Link 7: 'The Long Dark' by Scott Buckley (www.scottbuckley.com.au) - released under CC-BY 4.0.

& Various tracks by Tabletop Audio ( https://tabletopaudio.com) - released under CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0.

Minor modifications (fading/splitting) made to support this podcast format with written permission from the creator.

Some FX https://www.zapsplat.com

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Shownotes for Dice Chain 1 (Links 1-3)

Theme Rise of a Hero · Infraction Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6ChLebsTYw

Some FX https://www.zapsplat.com

Sunday, August 30, 2026

FanExpo 2026

Thanks so much to the Canadian Podcast Awards for once again inviting me to promote TOTM at this year's FanExpo convention. I had a great time and met loads of wonderful folks.

Sunday, August 23, 2026

Odok's Sketchbook

A while back I put out a call for artists to submit pages of Odok's Sketchbook. I knew that only one or two would make their way into the story but I always thought it would be cool to put out the whole collection after the season ended. So here they are. My sincere thanks to all who participated!