Episode 33

What happened here recently?
Bellet Osc (00:23)

What should I be on the lookout for? 
Ink-tober (05:01)

What here is not what it appears to be? 
Hack & Slash (07:30)

What here is useful or valuable to me? 
Mean Old Minerva’s Wagon of Gifts & Stories (13:06)
The First Fear (14:28)
Old Minerva’s Bag of Sweets (14:44)
Old Minerva’s Broom (14:56)
Old Minerva’s Magnifying Stone (15:26)
The Needle of Idle Safety (15:46)
Weather Wax (16:25)
Chester (16:58)

Spout Lore - Sponsorship Segment (18:09)

What is about to happen? 
Our ongoing comic strip AP featuring the adventures of Ramshackle Crow (20:36)
Catspaw (22:00)
“I could use a ration” (23:15)
Interior of the hell vault (24:56)
A greedy look in his eyes (27:24)
The vault guardian (28:09)

Who is really in control here?
Our new Patreon goal (29:00)

Our Sponsor

This episode of Discern Realities is sponsored by Scablands Press!

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Mean Old Minerva’s Wagon of Gifts and Stories
Old Minerva has lived in her covered wagon, traveling from town to town, for as long as anyone can remember. Local women go to her for advice on many practical things, and children love her stories. She is generally tolerant of those who call on her, though she does not suffer idiots, and has a particularly short temper with men. She is never far from her wagon, which is filled with many strange and old things.

If you happen to meet Old Minerva in your travels, maintain a respectful tone with her. She always has something to help with whatever vexes you, but you may have to pay for it with a bit of your dignity.

Custom Move: Minerva’s Wagon
If you suffer Minerva’s abuse while politely asking for her help, roll+CHA. If you are a man, you make this roll at an additional -1. *On a 10+, she has something that will help you, either an object or information, and she offers it freely. *On a 7-9, as above, but she asks for something in return. The GM will tell you what.


The First Fear
They say all men grew-up in fear of a certain stick, and the First Fear is the progenitor of those sticks. If you are a woman brandishing the First Fear, your promise to withhold violence from the stick is always leverage in a Parley with a man.

Old Minerva's Bag of Sweets
This bag always contains a handful of sweets hidden amongst the rags, buttons and lint.  You may always use the sweets as leverage in a Parley with a child.

Old Minerva’s Broom
The way Old Minerva sees it, most people are careless fools; apt to misplace their foolish heads, if not for the fact they’re attached to their foolish necks. Still, she often advises that giving the house a good sweep is a terrific way to find the things you’ve lost, as well as calm your nerves and clarify your thinking. Her own broom is particularly helpful in this regard. If you Discern Realities while sweeping an area with Old Minerva’s Broom, you may ask one additional question from the list, even on a 6-.

Old Minerva's Magnifying Stone
This perfectly clear shard of quartz helps Old Minerva read small labels, and closely examine folks complaining about skin spots, yellowing teeth, or whatever damn thing they’re on about today. If you closely examine a person or object with the Magnifying Stone, the GM will tell you a single fact about the subject that is hidden or secret.

Needle of Idle Safety
The way Old Minerva sees it, idle hands get up to no good, and it’s best to chop them off. Given that, you should endeavor to keep them busy, and the mending of clothes is both practical and economical. The Needle of Idle safety is distinguishable from normal needles by the fact it never rusts, and cannot be bent or broken. If you accidentally prick your finger while using the needle, it means some sort of danger is imminent, though the precise nature of the danger may be unclear. Perhaps something hostile is approaching your position, or your comrade’s amazing plan is actually quite a stupid one, or the minstrel telling you tales by the fire has ill intentions.

Weather Wax
This marvelous beeswax, said to be a specially refined version taken from hives that have survived terrible storms, is often stored in a jar with a tiny, decorative weathervane affixed to the lid. Any object covered in the wax will not succumb to environmental hazards related to the weather. A scroll will stay dry in the rain; swords will not rust. A room will stay dry and warm if you seal its windows with the wax, even during the most violent blizzard or storm. The wax can even be rubbed on clothing and armor, transferring its protection to the wearer.

Chester 
Chester the Cat was Mean Old Minerva's first and only pet. When he died quite suddenly from unnatural causes, she had him stuffed. To her surprise and delight, the taxidermied tabby was even more charming and loyal than before! If Chester is in your possession, and you leave some food out for him at night, you will awake with the certainty that a cat was sleeping on top of you. Chester might even wake you if someone with ill intentions approaches during the night.