[Actual Play AGoT] Swords of the North!

[Maester Luwin]

Hey everyone! This is a recap of my first session using the rules from Guardians' AGoT RPG. First of all I would like to thank Guardians for this awsome game! The rules make it easy for you to truely capture the atmosphere of the books. Both my players & I really had a great time!

Some background for the campaign as folows. It is set a hundred years before the books themselves around year 195. It is set in the North & I will be using a noble house style campaign. The players will be either members of House Stark or House Karstark. Campaign overview below:

The Game of Thrones Campaign
Dramatis Personae
Rickon Karstark the younger of two bothers & Master of the Hunt of his father’s house Karhold;
Helga a wildling from north of the wall now servant at Karhold & mother of the bastard Jasson Snow;
Donnel of Long Lake man-at-arms of Lord Willam Stark’s household & protector of Artos;
Quelion Woolfield a scholar of the Citadel & trained Maester / healer (tutor of young Jasson Snow);
Septon Heward godsworn of the Seven & outcast of the Old faith;
Jasson Snow only a boy of eleven/ bastard son of Helga & Artos Stark – ward of Lord Karlon;
Alton Motley acrobat, juggler, & mummer known as the fool of Karhold;
Artos Stark known as “The Implacable” & brother of Willam Lord of Winterfell- recently come to check on his son & rumors of unrest beyond the Wall;
Nymeros Martell Dornish prince/ hostage of Lord Willam & ward of Lord Karlon- something of a Knave;

House Karstark
Lord Karlon Lord of Karhold – known as the “Old Bear”;
Lady Nera of House Flint, wife of Karlon, & only supporter of Septon Heward;
Karl Karstark heir to Karhold & brother to Rickon;
Alanna Umber wife of Karl & known as a great huntswoman in her own right- strong supporter of the Old Faith;
Jarana Karstark eldest daughter of Karl & Alanna (age 7);
Kerena Karstark youngest daughter of Karl & Alanna (age 3);
Miles Tallheart Steward of Karhold;
Daron Longhand Master-At-Arms & trusted retainer;
The Guardsmen Mull, Daron the Younger, Ballen, Mark of Last Hearth, Robin, Jayce, Little William, Tomas, Harwin, & Varly;
The Huntsmen Daveth, Jory, & Perran the Elder;
Maylwyn smith & armorer;
Hallen the cook;
Janna Hallen’s wife, cook, & at times mid-wife;
Goodwin Master of horse;
The Stable boys Timlin & Harold;
The Servants Emma & Bruhilda (“Hilda”);

The year is 195 & Daeron II sits upon the Iron Throne. To the North ,beyond the wall, Raymun Redbeard gathers the Wildlings under his banner as King Beyond The Wall. To the South Daemon Blackfyre gathers followers to contest Daeron’s right to rule. The Greyjoys continue to raid the western coast in their longships. House Martell & Dorne remains uneasy allies even though a Dornish queen shares the throne at Kingslanding. The Houses, both great & small, must now maneuver for their best place in the upcoming Game Of Thrones! A game where the stakes are high & to lose means death!

The first nine were Pc choices (basically one for each of the core classes in the game plus Jasson Snow who is a special case as a child Pc). I have six players & the following Pc's were chosen: Artos, Helga, Donnel, Rickon, Septon Heward, & Jasson Snow. The campaign opens with Artos being charged by his brother, Lord Willam Stark to discover if Raymun Redbeard is indeed a threat to Winterfell & the North. Donnel & Artos are at Winterfell awaiting Rickon & the others coming from Karhold. Rickon will escort Artos & his protector back to Karhold & Lord Karlon (who Artos hopes to persuade to join him in his quest).

Meanwhile Lord Butterwell, the Hand to the King, has arrived at Winterfell (along with Ser Brynden Rivers- the Blood Raven) to gain Lord Willam's support for King Daeron in the upcoming civil war. The Blood Raven, through Butterwell, has asked for a tourney in honor of the Hand's visit. Ser Brynden really wants to see the mettle of Lord Willam's fighting men & by having a tourney they come to him not the other way around. Lord Willam may not like it but has to agree (rules of hospitality in all).

The next post will cover the first session/ part one (which will be broken into several parts because it is very long). Thanks Maester Luwin

 

[Maester Luwin]

First session part 1! For my first session I had only 3 players as the others had to work ect.. The 3 players were Artos, Helga, & Donnel. I also used Jasson & Rickon as Npc's (I also stat'ed out the remaining 3 Pc's as Npc's to be used as needed in the campaign). The players were given a short piece of fiction called simply The Opening Scene (which I added as a file if anyone is interested) to set the mood & then play began. As the party was initially split I had to go back & forth a between them- like in the books shifting from one group then another. Helga along with Jasson, Rickon, Septon Heward, Maester Quelion, Daveth, 10 men-at- arms (including Lttle William- Jasson's sworn sword) travel to Winterfell. Artos & Donnel await their arrivial.

Recap on 8/23/05 Session

Helga & party travel to Winterfell. Four days from Winterfell Helga has a disturbing dream & the next day consults Maester Quelion about large horned fish.*(1) Maester Quelion reports no knowledge of said fish but agrees to research them once they reach Winterfell (he will have access to the Stark’s library & Maester Pelion’s aid in this matter). The next morning Helga & Rickon discover an abandoned Holdfast 3 days from Winterfell & inside the Wolfswood. Upon further investigation they find signs of foul play (dried blood & torn clothing but no bodies). Also Helga notes that the tracks of the horses (estimated around a score of them) were either carrying heavy loads or armored riders as the tracks were very deep in the mud!*(2)


Meanwhile back at Winterfell, Lord Willam introduces Artos to his protector- Donnel of Long Lake. Both men know of each other but for the first time Donnel will serve directly under Artos not Willam himself. Lord Willam explains his current troubles: the “infestation” of Southern Lords; the Ironmen raiders off his western coast; & the bickering between the Lords Flint & Bolton. He gives Artos his mission of discovering if Raymun Redbeard represents an actual threat. Due to Willam’s other duties he is unable to see to it himself. They briefly discuss Lord Butterwell’s & Ser Brynden Rivers reasons for visiting Winterfell- trying to get Lord Willam to commit to King Daeron’s cause in the possible upcoming civil war. Lord Willam also charges Donnel to protect & serve Lord Artos as he has served himself as well as charging Lord Artos to respect & keep Donnel as he has been a trusted & honored servant to house Stark.*(3) Their meeting is interrupted by Ser Benton Cassel, Master of Arms at Winterfell. He states Lord Ronnel Bolton & his sworn sword, Ser Cregan Snow are headed to The Smoking Log (the local ale house) & that Ser Martyn Flint (& 5-6 men at arms of his house) are already there! Lord Willam asks Artos & Donnel to intercede on his behalf.
Artos & Donnel stop off at the stable for they think they will make a more impressive sight a horse than a foot. Artos uses his influence over the Master of Horse to upgrade Donnel’s garron for a blood bay courser.*(4) Lord Artos mounts the pride of the Stark’s stables, a black stallion, & they proceed to the Smoking Log.*(5) Market Square, outside Castle Winterfell’s walls, is teeming with people. Freeswords rub shoulders with peddlers, camp followers, smallfolk, pages of the nobles, & local merchants who have all arrived for the tourney to honor The King’s Hand, Lord Butterwell, and three days hence. The crowd parts before the warhorses. Though they make good time neither man spots the gigantic form of Ser Cregan Snow though they do see a few patrons making haste to leave the Smoking Log as they arrive.*(6)


At the same time Helga & party are arriving at Winter Town with the walls of Castle Winterfell looming in the distance. They note the hub of activity as well as the pavilions of the visiting nobles outside of town.*(7) The dream & abandoned Holdfast weigh heavily on Helga’s mind but she knows she must put these behind her, at least for now. Young Jasson Snow presents her with problems enough. He has been sneaking off of late & Little William has proven himself lacking the mental acuity to stop him. At Karhold this is but a game but here this could mean his life. She asks Rickon to escort her & her son directly to Winterfell. She also lectures Jasson & Little William on the importance of staying put!


Lord Artos & Donnel find the tap room of the Smoking Log nearly empty & the reason for it. Squaring off against each other & separated only by 20 paces of the common room are Lords Flint & Bolton! No one has drawn steel but their hands are all on swords (except Ronnel Bolton who is cleaning his nails with a dagger). Lord Artos reminds all present that they are both under the protection of House Stark as well as the rules of hospitality. He states he will not allow ANY man to violate his brother’s decree of peace & goodwill.* (8) He states “I wish a private audience with you Ser Martyn & you Ronnel Bolton.” Ser Martyn immediately agrees sending his men back to his father’s pavilion. Ser Cregan watches them go but does not leave. Ronnel eventually agrees sending Ser Cregan to the bar. The 3 nobles & Donnel find an empty table & the discussion begins. Lord Artos uses his influence to garner a temporary peace- at least until they leave Winterfell- stating “It is best to let your noble fathers decide this issue with the guidance of my bother Lord Willam.* (9) Ronnel Bolton finally agrees to this but states “I & my sworn sword shall only draw steel in the defense of our persons but least you think me craven do not insult me or my father further with your silly accusations!” (Lord Flint has let it be known that he thinks the Boltons responsible for the bandit raids on his remote Holdfasts which border Bolton lands). Ser Cregan takes a keg from behind the bar as he leaves & smiles smugly- Lord Artos had said he would cover the nights drinking between the men present but Ronnel stated he “had lost his thirst”- not so Ser Cregan it seems.


After Bolton’s departure Ser Martyn tells Artos all he knows of the raids & his father’s suspicisions. He tells Artos his father, Mathell, has come to bring this before Lord Willam. Lord Artos tells Ser Martyn that he has a plan that might aid his endeavor to the north & alleviate Ser Martyn’s problem as well- namely Ronnel & Ser Cregan.


All the while Donnel has been watching Lord Artos’ back & he notices 4 freeriders enter & take an empty table near them. He judges them mainly inexperienced; except for their leader or the man he deems their leader. Though they appeared non-threating he continues to watch them as something about their body language sends off warning signals.* (10)


As Helga & party pass the Smoking Log she notices Lord Artos’ stallion along with another warhorse. She decides to go in & see the father of her son. She wants to know what kind of welcome her & Jasson can expect at Winterfell (it is no secret that Lady Mylara Stark is jealous of Jasson due to Lord Willam’s son, Edwyle, being sickly & Jasson being a bastard). Helga knows that it was her words whispered in Lord Willam’s ears that sent her & her son to Karhold. Helga asks Rickon & company to ride on to Winterfell with Jasson as she feels the alehouse inappropriate for her son. Rickon agrees & Little William vows to “Keep’em safe n’ sound Mistress Helga”, though Helga plainly has reservations about Little William’s ability to keep that promise.* (11) As she ties up her garron, being careful to place her away from the warhorses, she sees a swarthy youth dressed in black velvets & ermine cloak enter the ale house with what appears to be a singer on his cloak tails. With a long sigh she opens the door to the noise, smoke, & laughter saying “May the Old gods preserve me”!* (12)


Artos & Donnel stay a while longer after Ser Martyn leaves. Donnel takes time to make Artos aware of the freeriders. They witness young Nymeros Martell enters the ale house with the mummer Alton Motley close behind. Nymeros merely nods toward Artos but Alton bows deeply & smiles broadly.*(13) Alton Motley is known as a singer/mummer attached to Lord Butterwell’s party & Nymeros is Lord Willam’s guest/ hostage/ ward & cousin to the Queen. Nymeros grabs a comely tavern wench as she passes by & states “Come Wilma warm my bones once more before I leave for distant & might I say barbaric Karhold”. Wilma smiles as he pulls her close & says “Me thinks you need something cold rather than warm M’lord” as she pours a mug of cold ale upon his head. The crowd including Lord Artos & Donnel, laugh at this. To his credit the Dornish youth laughs the loudest as he finds a seat near Alton. The singer tunes his lute & begins a bawdy drinking song. As Alton begins his song another woman in riding leathers & wild auburn hair enters the tap room. She catches the eye of most of the men in the place including Artos & Nymeros. Artos knows Helga but waits to see what mischief Nymeros will cause, knowing well that this woman can take care of herself.


Nymeros shouts above the din of noise “GOOD WOMAN! Come join me & make my last night here a memorable one!” Helga states plainly “Keep your ale & memories to your self”. Nymeros’ smile slowly disappears as Alton stops his bawdy ditty “A Beautiful Maid Awakes the Sleeping Giant” to say “By the Seven Milord but your luck has soured this eve!” Helga continues to walk toward Artos’ table. Nymeros’ face flushing somewhat says “Good woman do you know to whom you speak- I am Nymeros Martell cousin to the Queen!” Helga now standing before lord Artos’ table says without looking back “Then let her keep you warm tonight!” Again laughter filled the Smoking Log but Nymeros’ hand slowly slipped to the slender Bravossi blade at his left hip. Artos noting this stood & said “Helga my maid” hugging her fiercely while stating “How is my son Jasson!” A look of astonishment grew on Nymeros’ face. A face turned red with embarrassment. Again laughter filled the room as the young Dornish nobleman hastily took his leave of the Smoking Log.* (14)


Footnotes going over some game mechanics used during play
.

1.) Using the Dream feat Helga has a vision of an up coming storm that brings the sea crashing against Karhold’s walls. Lord Karlon is swept away from the battlements. In the waves below the keep she sees “large horned fish” beating against the keep’s gates with their horns.
2.) Helga succeeds in both spot & survival rolls which aids her here.
3.) In the AGoT RPG each character has a social rank (which could be used as an ECL as noble characters have advantages over small folk as in the books). Lord Artos is above Donnel’s station so should answer to Artos. At the same time Donnel has chosen the favored feat which lets everyone know he’s Lord Willam’s man & should be respected as such.
4.) The use of influence replaces using skills like Diplomacy & Intimidate (which are still used to change the attitudes of Npc’s- e.g. from friendly to helpful). Each player rec’s a number of influence points depending on class, noble house, & cha. Here the Artos player succeeds in an influence roll vs the Master of Horse convincing him that he should give Donnel a good warhorse without troubling his liege Lord Willam for approval.
5.) In AGoT RPG noble characters need not “count coppers” as King Robert once said. Instead they are allowed equipment as due their station/ as needed (& within reason- not every noble should be waving a Valyrian blade around).
6.) Neither player made there spot rolls even though Ser Cregan has the Giant’s Blood feat (& is my version of the Mountain that rides from the books).
7.) As a wildling raider Helga ha no knowledge: nobility skill ranks & therefore the noble’s sigils are little more than pretty flags.
8.) Here is where the AGoT RPG really shines. It is not just a RPG but an extensive source book of Martin’s world so that anyone (whether they have read the novels or not) can run this setting without problems complete with rules of hospitality/ feudalism!
9.) Again the Artos player uses his influence but against a rival house not his own making it a trickier. He succeeds with only marginal success vs Ronnel Bolton. I did not make him roll vs Ser Martyn seeing their house wouldn’t have any problems complying as they are loyal to Willam (again this rpg urges GM’s to use their judgment during a sessions & keep things simple only rolling dice when necessary).
10.) Donnel uses & succeeds with the sense motive & knowledge: warfare skills allowing him to judge the freeriders approximate skill levels & their attitudes.
11.) Jasson’s player chose the Noble Spirit feat which gives him a companion, Little William a Karstark guardsman, who will not willing betray him & act as a protector. As Jasson is a child Pc (yes the RPG allows you to play a child if you choose to.
12.) Again Helga being a wildling might suspect the “youth” to be a noble she has no way to recognize him as Nymeros Martell. She succeeds with a spot check & notices Nymeros’ companion has a lute though the light isn’t the greatest.
13.) Here is another example of how status & social rank works in the game. House Martell is equal to house Stark though Alton Motley is only a commoner & must show deference to Lord Stark (he also wishes to attach himself to Lord Artos’ party & is sucking up a bit).
14.) Here Helga playing in typical wildling fashion speaks her mind but makes sure she makes it to Lord Artos’ table & his protection. Though House Martell & House Stark are on equal footing Nymeros has been fostered to Lord Willam & he knows Lord Artos could cause trouble for him. Nymeros thinks discretion is the better part of valor though Helga may have to watch her back- maybe even gaining the Nemesis Defect!

Well I hope you all enjoyed it! Will post more later. Thanks Maester Luwin

 

[Maester Luwin]

Hey everyone! Here is session 1 part 2!

While Helga & Artos got reacquainted, Donnel noticed a small face peeking in the ale house window. The face had the long angular features of house Stark.* (15) Donnel guessed that this was Jasson Snow, Lord Artos’ bastard son. Upon being noticed the boy slipped away. Donnel not wanting to disturb his Lord knew of a back entrance & made for it.* (16) He would fetch the boy & surprise the parents. Lord Artos & Helga noticed Donnel’s departure as well as 3 of the 4 freeriders leaving by the front door. Helga couldn’t explain it but felt Jasson was in some danger!* (17) Helga turned to Artos & said “I’m in need of fresh air”. When she turned to leave the fourth freerider was standing before her & their table He bowed to Lord Artos & said “M’lord forgive me but I’ve heard you’ll be traveling north & might be in need of swords. My companions & me be master less at the present & could serve you well M’lord”. Helga tried to push pass but the freerider merely stepped in front of her stating “N’ what’s yer name good lady?” Helga now angry says “My name & my business is my own… now out of my way!” She pushed past the freerider & was gone without another word. Lord Artos says to the freerider “Forgive my … friend but if you present yourself to Ser Benton Cassel tomorrow I’ll leave word of your coming. If you meet his & my sworn sword’s approval you may ride north with me.” Seeing the freerider’s companions gone as well as Helga & Donnel leaving, Artos decides to keep the leader busy. Artos says with a smile “Sit, drink with me & allow me to buy!” All the while wondering what was happening outside.* (18)


Donnel walked through the kitchen. The cook only smiled & waved him on.* (19) Once outside the noise from inside & from the Market Square appeared muffled. The sworn sword let his eyes adjust to the darkness & his other senses to his surroundings. His life depended on this very thing many times before. He knew the boy was out here but where. Try as he might he could not see or hear him.* (20) Then from behind him he heard “You’re that man who was sitting next to father aren’t you” said a quiet voice… a child’s voice. Donnel with his hand on his sword turned slowly around & said “I am & you are no doubt Jasson… Jasson Snow, Artos’ son.” The boy merely nodded. Donnel judge the boy’s apprehension due more from the fear of being caught & what his parents might say than any fear of him.* (21) He decided to save the boy the embarrassment of a public scolding & told the boy to wait right by the back door. Opening he door & shouting at the cook “Bring Lord Artos here at once & tell him I have his son!” Donnel heard the cook leave & he shut the door. He & the boy would wait.


Helga left the tap room behind her. She quickly realized that one of the freeriders stood just outside the door. She closed it quickly then headed for the back as she couldn’t see the other two swordsmen or Jasson. She stopped before going around the corner of the ale house. Her eyes briefly meet the freerider but she stared him down & he turned away walking in the opposite direction. Helga a raider by birth slipped quietly into the shadows!* (22)

15.) Donnel has a great success on his spot check (the RPG rewards you for rolling higher than he DC- the higher the roll the greater the success- in this case making out the details of the boy’s face!
16.) Donnel succeeds on a knowledge: local skill check & remembers this ale house has a back door.
17.) Helga has The Blood of the First Men which gives her intuitions on the status of close family members.
18.) Here no rolls required- just let the players roleplay with the freerider.
19.) Donnel’s Favored Feat comes in handy again as the locals know him well as Lord Willam’s man.
20.) Here Donnel failed his Spot & Listen checks.
21.) Donnel succeeds with a sense motive check.
22.) Helga succeeds in both a intimidate & hide in shadow checks.

I decided to put in Helga's dream from the preious post as it will come into play in the future.

More to post later. Thanks Maester Luwin

 

[Krafus]

Very interesting... Since I plan to buy the AGoT d20 RPG, I really like that you point out the differences with standard 3e. Just one bit of advice, though - you might want to separate your paragraphs a little bit, and to give dialogue its own individual lines. It would make it easier on the eyes, as well as looking more like a novel.

Looks like Artos will soon be in a fight against those so-called freeriders. I wouldn't be surprised to learn they were hired by Bolton.

 

[Maester Luwin]

Hey Krafus! Thanks for the comments & advice. It's my first time to post on the Story Hour & a little unsure about how to do it. Any comments & suggestions are welcome. Now back to that fight... Maester Luwin

 

[Maester Luwin]

Hey everyone! Here is session 1 part 3. The players finally get into combat & find out how deadly it can be.


Donnel waited with the boy behind the ale house. Jasson had become very quiet indeed.

From what Donnel had seen of the boy’s mother, a wildling no less, there was reason for

the boy’s silence & worry. A small smile upturned the lips of the ordinarily grim face. The

smile quickly faded upon hearing a snapping of a twig followed by the dark shape that could

be no one but one of the freeriders from the Smoking Log. * (23) Instinct took over. He

quietly stepped into the deeper shadows all the while steering the boy before him. All was

going well until the boy, Jasson, fell cursing as he landed! *(24) The freerider turned about

quickly a sword appearing in his hand with a swishing sound. Donnel drew his blade as well &

placed himself in front of Jasson.

The freerider said “I have no quarrel with you… give me the boy & no one need get hurt”.

Donnel shook his head “I’m afraid that’s not possible… Lord Artos would not be so kind as you.”
The freerider smiled lowering his sword & quickly whistled. Donnel’s wait was over ‘my only chance is to drop this one before the others arrive’ he thought. And so they danced….



Helga heard the whistle & froze. This was quickly followed by the sound of steel on steel

scraping as two swords met. Then she heard the sounds of heavy boots pounding on the

ground. The freerider out front she guessed. In he deep shadows of the ale house she drew

her greatsword & waited. The wait was not a long one as the freerider came around the

corner at a run with bare steel in his hand. He never saw Helga. Her sword leapt out of the

darkness to meet the swordsman. The greatsword hit its mark. Slicing easily through the

man's leather armor & shearing the ribs beneath. Helga kicked the dying man from her blade.

The freerider’s sword fell from limp fingers & bloody bubbles formed at his mouth as it shaped the word “How”!* (25)



Artos could see the cook trying to make his way to his table through the now crowded

common room.

The freerider seeing this said “My thanks for the drink Lord Artos but my friends are waiting. I’ve taken too much of your time. I will see your Master of Arms on the morrow!”

With a quick bow he was heading toward the door. Artos was about to call to him but the voice of the panting cook distracted him.

“M’lord, Donnel has need of you & he says he has your son! Out back M’lord… you can use the kitchen door.”

Artos was up in an instant nearly bowling the cook over. The freeriders, Helga’s hasty

departure, & Donnel leaving without so much as a by your leave…. He should have known!

Artos bellowed “OUT OF MY WAY!”

He stormed across the common room- the crowd parting as water to a prow of a ship. He

moved as fast as he could, through the kitchen & out the back door. The first thing he

heard as he opened the door was the clanging sound of swords coming together & then the

sobbing of a child. He drew his sword & hoped he was not too late.




Helga could hear the sound of sword play behind the ale house over the labored breathing of

the dying man at her feet.

As she began to move that way a door slammed open a voice

called out “MALLOT! ARTOS KNOWS! HE COMES!”

Helga waited for this one like the first but when he came around the corner his eyes must

have met the sight of his dying comrade for he ducked under Helga’s greatsword as it

whistled past his head.* (26) With a curse he drew his longsword & went on guard. Helga

could tell this one knew the blade. No matter as Magda always said “All men bleed!” Just

then she heard a blow land heavily behind her & someone swear an oath- her thoughts went

to Jasson. The freerider saw his chance & lunged for the quick kill. Helga tuning slightly felt

the blade glide along the boiled leather covering her torso. It had turned the blade.* (27)

The freerider was off balance now & Helga put all her strength in the counter blow which

felled the man like an ox at slaughter. She kicked him over & saw the wound with his life’s

blood spewing out with each beat of his heart. The freerider let out a low groan & his eyes

rolled to the back of his head. He was done! Now I must find my son she thought. Helga ran

to the back of the ale house.


Donnel didn’t let the boy or the thought of the freeriders friends distract him. That was the

path which led to the Gray Sisters. Although he was fast the freerider was faster His blade

slashed out but he parried it easily. The man ducked his counter stroke & then barely

parried his second overhand blow. The man tried to go on the defensive… stalling & waiting

for his friends Donnel thought. The man made a weak thrust at his midsection. Donnel

turned his body ever so slightly & let the blade scrape along his mail. Now allowing his turn

to add momentum to his own thrust his sword bit deep in the man’s side! Not a wide wound

but deep. The freerider stumbled backwards an oath forced from his lips. The freerider’s

hand came up as if by reflex covering the wound at his side. His hand came away bloody &

more blood began to seep through the new gap Donnel had made in the man’s armor. The

freerider staggered off … his thoughts now turning to escape. * (28) The kitchen door

opened with a bang & Artos was standing there blade in hand.


Artos bulled his way through the kitchen door. He saw his son lying on the ground sobbing

but unhurt- thank the Old Gods. Donnel stood no more than 30 paces away sword in hand

with one of the freeriders staggering off holding his side. He was leaving a trail of blood

behind. Another freerider was coming from the other side. Artos would meet this man with

the brute strength of the Implacable! The freerider’s blade was swept aside. Artos’ second

blow cut a gash in the man’s sword arm. He screamed & ran. The noise had now attracted a

crowd. This freerider now used this very crowd as a means of escape.

The voice of Donnel brought Artos around “Milord are you well?”

Artos said “Yes. Let us seek these men who would kidnap my son.”

Helga’s voice chimed in “Seek your own men… mine will run no more & I will stay with Jasson.”

Donnel looked at Helga’s foes & having seen death, both slow & fast, upon the battle field knew she spoke the truth.

Donnel said in a quiet voice “Mine should be easy enough to follow.”

Artos nodded & said “Aye & I want him alive! He has much to answer for!”

Notes:
23.) Donnel succeeds in both spot & listen checks.

24.) Donnel succeeds in his hide roll vs the freeriders spot but Jasson rolls a 1!

25.) Helga takes advantage of a surprise round in combat as the freerider’s spot check is

less than Helga’s hide check & the freerider is flat footed & a sitting duck. Helga rolls high &

hits. Her greatsword does 9 points of damage minus 2 due to the freeriders leather armor. 7

points of damage is over the freeriders shock value & he fails his Fort save (& goes down

nearly dead- he had 10 Hp).

26.) This time the freerider made his spot check to see his comrade & knows something’s

up. He doesn’t see Helga but I deem him not flat footed & able to dodge the blow (defense

roll) with his dex modifier added in.

27.) Helga is hit by the freerider but he only rolls a 1 for damage! Plus 1 for his str modifier for a total of 2 which doesn’t hurt her due to her leather armor.

28.) In Donnel’s fight he makes a crit with his longsword & rolls 10 pts for damage (-2 for

the freeriders leather armor) but the freerider makes his fort save & but we house rule that

crits above shock value (even if the opponent makes his save) continue to bleed & his

wound will continue to bleed. This another way combat is more gritty in the AGoT!

The players were wary of combat as they knew there was no healing magic. The options Guardians have put in really made the combat more girtty without really slowing down the game. I hope the spacing helped. Thanks again guys! Maester Luwin

 

[Krafus]

Actually, I meant that you should cut the paragraphs into smaller ones, not that you should put a space line between every sentence.

I'm a bit surprised that both Artos and Donnel let their foes escape. Why didn't either of them try to either capture his opponent or finish him off?

 

[Maester Luwin]

Actually only Artos' man escaped. Donnel's player is really taking the role of protector to heart. He first wanted to see to the safety of Artos & Jasson as he wasn't sure if there were any more takers in the crowd that gathered. He guessed (wisely) that his man's wounds would slow him down anyway. Artos for all his size & strength is merely a noble. I deemed the other freerider used the crowd to escape. Artos didn't stray to far from the ale house at least without escort. With the Bolton's & The Blood Raven in town a mna can't be too careful. And then there is Butterwell who is rumored to have a foot in each of the Dragon's camp (he supports Daeron openly though there are whispers....).

Here is session 1 part 4. This is the last post for this session. It really was a lot of fun. My group meets every other week so I wanted to sum up their seesion which was E-mailed to them. This way the session will be fresh to them when we meet again & can be a good DM tool for me as I can always look back & see what The Blood Raven told Artos 3 sessions ago. I hope I also allowed those who may be unfamiliar with this game some insight on the mechanics that made it so much fun!


Though Lord Artos lost his man Donnel was able to follow the other easy enough. Both used the same tactic but the man Donnel was trailing was wounded. The crowd backed away from him & he was forced to travel slowly due to pain & bleeding. At last Donnel spotted the freerider staggering some paces ahead when he drew his sword & gave chase! Though he wore a chain hauberk Donnel was able to close on the man. Finally a group of Lord Stark’s smallfolk noticed Donnel & the man he chased. Shouts rang out- “STOP THAT MAN!” & “DON’T LET HIM GET AWAY!” Donnel was finally aided by a group of sell swords who cut off any avenue of escape in hopes of a reward or possible employment.* (29) Seeing no way out the freerider merely collapsed & begged for mercy. Donnel said “You will die without aid. Do you understand? Good! Then to Artos with you!” The four sellswords gathered up the prisoner & Donnel led the way back to the Smoking Log.


After making sure that Jasson was unharmed Helga searched the bodies of the 2 dead freeriders. Each had 5-6 silver stags, leather armor, & longswords. Beside these things the leader had a gold dragon & a castle forged dagger with an unusual crest upon the pommel. The gold coin appeared newly minted. On one side was the face of Daeron II & on the other was the Lion Rampant. She was unfamiliar with both the crest on the dagger & what the lion meant. She would show Artos when he came back. Helga could hear Little William shouting for Jasson. Rickon was also tagging along. By now they had discovered Jasson was missing & had guessed his destination. Just then Artos returned empty handed. He had lost his freerider in the crowd. Helga showed Artos the golden coin & heard him say “Damnable Lanisters!”* (30)


Donnel returned, along with the sellswords & his prisoner. The prisoner begged mercy from Lord Artos. Lord Artos states “You are in need of a Maester. Tell me who is responsible for the kidnapping of my son & you may live… though you may find it cold upon the Wall. If you refuse or your words are found untrue I will let Helga have you.” Artos nods towards the freerider’s dead companions & Helga steps forward with her greatsword in hand. The freerider, obviously shaken, says “I’ll tell what I know Lord though what I know is little enough. I only ask if death is my sentence give me Lord Willam & Ice not some wildling butcher to carry it out.”* (31) Artos with some coolness in his voice states “At the very least your death will be quick & painless but your life still depends on what you know & tell.” The freerider nods & tries not to notice Helga cleaning her blade “The man who paid us was richly dressed & though he wore no crests or shields of any house he was a noble’s man in my thinking. His face was hidden by the cowl of his cloak but his hair was dark. He met us at the Smoking Log a fortnight ago & told us your son would be coming & that we should take him when we could.” The freerider looked down now & then continued on “This man said no harm should come to the boy or we would pay with our own lives but we should take him to an abandoned Holdfast two & half days ride north of Winterfell. Once it was known that the boy was kidnapped he would join us there with the second half of our payment. There was one more thing I over heard this man tell Lort, our leader, that a boat was to come up the Whiteknife river to take the boy to White Harbor. That’s all I know I swear by the Old gods & the new.” Artos nods & says take him to Winterfell & Maester Pelion.”


Back at Winterfell the prisoner is given over to Ser Benton Cassel. He was taken to the dungeon & orders sent to Maester Pelion to treat the prisoner’s wound. The sellswords who helped in the freerider’s capture were paid & then sent away with promises of further employment. Ser Brynden Rivers, The Blood Raven, stops Artos & asks about the excitement. Lord Artos tells the tale & shows him the gold dragon of Lanister mint. Ser Brynden states “It seems unusual for Lord Damon’s coin to find it’s way so far north. However, it would not be the first one I’m told. Freeriders gathering in Daemon’s camp have sported just such coin. Still, I think it unlikely that Lord Damon has interest in your son Lord Artos. If I may be of any service in this matter please let me know. I know you are tired & upset but on the morrow I wish to speak to you about a matter very important to me.” Artos agrees.


Later the party gathers together to discuss options on what to do about the prisoner. He is shackled & thoroughly uncomfortable in the dungeon. Maester Pelion has treated the wound, though Helga is unsure of the Stark’s Maester. They decide to check which nobles came to Winterfell a fortnight ago & who came after. They also decide to let the prisoner “escape” & have Rickon follow where ever he may lead. Artos also wishes to find out more about Lord Manderly & White Harbor. They still have the tourney & hunt to deal with in the upcoming days.

Notes:
29.) Again Donnel is aided by being Willam’s man.
30.) Again Helga has no knowledge of crests or sigils but I do not make Artos’ player roll either as he would recognize the sign of the Lannisters.
31.) I allow Artos to make an intimidate check adding in some bonus for his Authority feat, Helga backing him up, & his wound. Needless to say he succeeds.

I hope you enjoyed it. Maester Luwin

 

[Krafus]

I doubt the Lannisters are behind the attempted abduction... Too much to lose if they're found out. OTOH, I've come up with another possibility - Lady Mylara Stark, who wishes to have a possible rival to her son removed far away. Not so different from Catelyn, come to think on it.

 

[Maester Luwin]

It seems the Blood Raven agrees with you Krafus. At least for now. Lady Stark is indeed known for her dislike of Jasson & Helga. She has already seen to it that Helga & Jasson will be housed in The First Keep & not the Great Keep where the other major visiting nobles will be staying. The First Keep is far removed from the Stark's great hall & nearly empty come to think of it.... .

Also there are many other nobles here for the tourney including the Boltons. The Boltons stand accused of raiding Lord Mathell Flints' Lands. Mainly Ronnel Bolton & his Sworn Sword Ser Cregan Snow. This is further complicated by Lord Willam's & Artos' sister being married to Lord Mathell Flint. Lord Bryce Bolton has already been spreading gossip among the gathered nobes that " I dare say one can't expect fairness in this matter while Lord Willam's sister warms old Mathell's bones at night can one." Ronnel has said "Ser Cregan is ready & willing to prove his innocence & mine for that matter as my champion to any that would face him on the field- let the Old Gods & the New judge us with a trail by combat!" So far there have been no takers as Ser Cregan Snow stands closer to eight feet tall than seven. Certainly they bare the Starks no love.

Then there is Ser Brynden Rivers, known as te Blood Raven, rumored to be The Master of Whispers on King Daeron's Small Council. You know the saying-"How many eyes does the Blood Raven have, a thousand & two!" And what of Lady Sheria the Blood Raven's misstress? Isn't she rumored to be a Maegi from the East- beyound Asshai by the Shadow or from distant Quarth. The court gossip has it she bathes in the blood of young maidens to keep her youth & sees visions of the future in braziers of flame. They say her council is held higher than all of the other of the Blood Raven's advisors put together. Hasn't she been inquiring about young Jasson Snow?

Lord Damon Lannister sits proudly on King Daeron's Small Council as Master of Coin. He supports his King openly by buildng a lavish Sept at the Red Keep & with pretty baubles for his Dornish Queen. But of late freeriders & sell swords who are gathering under the pretender's banner, Ser Daemon Blackfyre, have been seen with golden coins of Lannister mint. He proclaims that a shippment of just such coins were stolen by bandits- in league with Daemon no doubt- on their way to Casterly Rock! It is known that his two son's Ser Tybolt & Gerold ride north for the tourney. To which King will Lord Damon bend the knee & what type of hostage would young Jasson make for the Starks' support either way.

Then their are countless freeriders & sellswords who would make more on Jasson's ransom than any purse from the tourney. Really, what chances do any of them have with the likes of Ser Cregan Snow, Ser Pearse Caron- the Harper Knight, Ser Beron Manderly- known as The Great (though more for his grith than skill), & Ser Brynden all riding at the tilts! Ser Benton Cassel, Lord Artos, & Donnel of Long Lake will ride as well but against such great lances as these even they do not stand to win much!

There are rumors of a longship that landed just off Flint's Fingers. It was fying the Black Kraken banner of the infamous pirate- Rolfe Pyke. His ship has already brought the sword & fire to Bear Isle & The Stoney Shore. A bastard of Lord Vickon Greyjoy, as well as being at odds with his noble father for sleeping with his mistress, would like nothing more than to lay hands on Jasson Snow.

So you see young Jasson should really stay put & under the wtachful eye of Little Willam! All for now. Thanks for your comments Krafus! Maester Luwin