Table of Contents

102 Pen and Paper Adventure | Beta Age | The Man Without A Name

SCENE 3b — MANDALA’S MOUNTS

1 | Scene Overview

Atmosphere & Sensory Cues: Rasp of wooden gates · hoofbeats echoing on stone · odor of oiled leather and pellet dust · dim gray light filtering through slats · Rajid’s calm baritone cutting through the wind

2 | Read-Aloud Descriptions

Initial Read-Aloud (Scene Opening)

The smell of leather and hay greets you as you step through the creaking gate of Mandala’s Mounts. A lean man with oil-stained hands leans on the counter beneath a hand-painted sign: “Second or Third Hand — But They’ll Run.” He wipes his palms on his apron and looks the group over. “*Looking for a ride? Brave folk. Got five Veyras left — for sale or for rent. Take your pick.*”

Staged Read-Alouds (Progressive Descriptions)

Trigger / Timing Read-Aloud or Short Narrative Insert
When PCs inspect the yard Hooves stamp on the floor. Steam billows from their nostrils as the Veyras move around in their stalls. A small sign hangs in front of each stall, indicating the availability status of the animals. And it looks like today is a lucky day for customers. All five Veyras are currently still available to rent or buy…
During Rajid’s offer speech “Second-hand or third-hand, they’ll still run,” Rajid says, tapping his ledger.“Just depends how hard you push them and how long you want to stay alive.”
After successful deal or rental Rajid rings a brass bell. From the stall block comes a low thrumming sound as the maintenance bot hauls a saddle into view. “You’ll ride out by the south gate,” he says, handing over contracts stamped in ink and dust.
When riders mount to depart Cold air cuts through the yard as gates swing open. Hooves scrape stone, then thunder into the white-gray distance. Behind you, Rajid’s voice fades: “Bring ’em back before seventeen — if you can.”

3 | Scene Intent

Scene Type Player Intents DM Function / Story Link
Negotiation / Equipment Scene Secure fast mounts · Test budget · Explore risk vs speed Alternative to convoy route; leads to Scene 4b – Zark Ambush Ralar Region

4 | Key (N)PCs + Dynamic Cues

Name Role / Affiliation Motivation / Goal Dynamic Cues — How They React in Play Wiki Link
Rajid Mandala Owner Earn profit · Avoid theft · Protect reputation Polite approach → offers honest advice on mount temperament • Hard bargain → grins, drops price 10% on Persuasion (DC 13) • Threat or intimidation → adds 10% “handling fee” and keeps hand near rifle Mandala’s Mounts
Kaltaar Older Veyra No stress · Peaceful life Solid Veyra, looking a little tired Veyra
Saffi Young Veyra Impatient • Fast Scratches with hooves Veyra
Brindle A slightly overweight Veyra Eat Searches for leftovers in the food bowl, shows little interest in the PC Veyra
Rime Best-condition Veyra Get around with a good rider Looks at the PC intently but confidently, Veyra
Obsidian A little worn, with some traces of past adventures in its fur Not getting shot at by bandits again Turning its back on the PC shows the opposite of interest. Veyra
Maintenance Bot Refurbished service bot Follow routines Whines as it drags tack to the rail Maintenance Bots

Special Character Notes (only applies if PCs are in the party):

5 | Triggers, Clues & Consequences

Trigger / Cue (Player Action or Event) Immediate Reaction / Change Ripple Effect / Future Hook
💰 Ask Rajid about the availability of the mounts Rajid names the five available mounts (Kaltaar, Saffi, Brindle, Rime, Obsidian) and gives them further information about their traits and prices (see NPC table above). Players compare speed vs temperament; may influence checks during Scene 4b.
🗣️ Persuasion or Deception (DC 13) Rajid reduces price 10%. Saves budget; improves Rajid’s trust (+1 rapport for future encounters).
💥 Intimidation (DC 14) He adds a 10% fee and keeps rifle in sight. Minor tension.
⚙️ Insight (DC 11) Rajid recommends the mount that best fits the rider’s temperament. Grants advantage on first Animal Handling check on route.
📜 Mention Ezrah Scherkenstein / OfSO Rajid lowers voice and comments that OfSO clients rarely return mounts in one piece. Foreshadows reputation of OfSO missions; adds color to world.

5a | Pricing & Conditions

Service Handling / Conditions Price
Veyra Rental Contract; 120 K deposit; return by 17:00 40 K/day + 5 K/day feed; deposit refundable
Veyra Sale As-is inspection; age/shape noted 400–800 K (condition/age)
Feed Pellets Per-day ration per mount 5 K/day
Late Return Returned after 17:00 Charged as additional day (40 K)

6 | DM Notes

DM Tutorial: How to approach the scene

Short version: