Ironsworn (Solo Play) - The Kingdom of Ice - Unsettlers

[doghead]

It has been a while since I have played anything, and I felt the itch to do so. So I opened up Ironsworn and started Campaign #3: The Kingdom of Ice - Unsettlers.

In the Ironsworn tabletop roleplaying game, you are a hero sworn to undertake perilous quests in the dark fantasy setting of the Ironlands. Designed for solo, co-op, and guided play, this award-winning game is free to download.

I am still learning how to leverage the mechanics to progress the game. As such, first session was a little frustrating, and very nearly terminal. But I enjoyed myself, and I hope you enjoy it as well.

Spoiler: Session Zero

Background:

I wanted to play something a little more traditional fantasy than my other two games, but kind of got stuck on how to start. Eventually I ended up here:

Setting:

Iceland. Iceland is my stand in for the default setting of Ironsworn. It is also the setting for one of my other campaigns, Firstborn (which has kind of come grinding to a halt). They may overlap, I am not yet sure. For this campaign I will be playing a human character. It will start out on the east coast of the island where the humans have carved out a small territory since their ancestors landed some several generations ago.

For this game, I am again using the Iron Journal website. It came up with the name Becca when I loaded the page, so Becca it is.

Backstory:

King Khelan has declared his wife a traitor, had her executed and their marriage struck down. Thus Elizabeth, the three year old daughter of Kelan and Anne becomes illegitimate and friendless at the stroke of a pen. After several weeks of house arrest, Elizabeth is sent to far away to the live with Lord Holden. Travelling with her are a few wardens, two maid servants, and Becca.

When the small party doesn't arrive at Holdenshire, a search party sets out, lead by Lord Holden. After a couple of days travel the search party comes across the site of a brutal battle. Among the dead are the wardens, the maids, and the men that attacked them. Some of the attackers were killed by the wardens, others by the young Wyvern that crouches beside the two girls.

The wyvern doesn't seem any more inclined to let Lord Holden's men approach the girls, but it does not stop the children from being coaxed to come to Lord Holden. As the search party gathers up the children and carefully departs, the wyvern launches itself into the air and departs. Only to follow the party back to Holdenshire where it remains for the next dozen years.

At first the common belief is that the wyvern watches over Elizabeth. But over time it becomes apparent that it is there for Becca. Which most of the right and proper thinking people of Holdenshire feel is right and proper. For it is apparent that Becca is touched by the Wilde. And so Becca is taken into the house of Ariel, herbalist, midwife, seer and witch, to be raised while Elizabeth remains in the house of Lord Holden. Neither child seems to upset by the separation, although they remain friends over the years. The Holdens raise Elizabeth as is proper for a young lady, while Aeril does, most would agree, as good as job as is possible raising the wild and unpredictable Becca.

Character Generation:

So Becca ... I found myself going around in circles somewhat here. So I poked around the Ironsworn site, found the Backgrounds rules and rolled a barbarian (berserker). Not what I was thinking, so I read through the other backgrounds before deciding to roll with the roll. So Becca is a Berserker. It took Berserker (Combat Talent), Young Wyvern (Companion) and took Bind (Ritual) instead of Leech (Ritual). I shifted the Ability array one right (3, 3, 2, 2, 1) And assigned them Edge 3, Heart 2, Iron 2, Shadow 1, Wits 3.

I really couldn't come up with a Background vow, so I turned to the Character Goal Oracle: Seek a Truth. I decided that this tied in with the uncertainty that I was feeling around the Wyvern Companion; why does it watch over Becca? I imagine it helps her sometimes, but is not obedient ("It won't devour you. For now.")

Finally, I wanted to see if I should swap Shadow and Heart attributes: Does Becca have a darker side? Roll 03 (No). So Heart 2, Shadow 1 it is.

[260510] I filled in the World Truths. These are the Truths as the Ironlanders see them. Some of them may not be true, especially if my Firstborn campaign does overlap with this one. For some reason, I could not "write my own". So I selected from the default options. In most cases they were perfectly suitable.

[260528] Corrected the mix up between Anne (the mother) and Elizabeth (the daughter).

thotd

 

[doghead]

Session 01 - A Child is Missing

It is late afternoon when word travels through the settlement: a child is missing. Young Poke and his brother Gord were out grazing the sheep in the nearby hills. Poke's father, uncle and eldest brother, Beej have already set out to search the area. Meanwhile Poke's mother has dragged Gord to the Lord's house. She is worried. It is mid summer, and over the last three years a child has gone missing each midsummer. One was found drowned, the other two were never seen again.

Becca has been summoned to the Lord's house because, well a wyvern might be useful. Like most settlements in the area, the bulk of the settlement is clustered around the Lord's house, or in this case Hall.

"Well?"

Becca shrugs. "I don't know. It's not a dog that you can teach to do tricks.

"But you can ride it, you have before. And search from the air."

Becca shrugs again. "Yes. When it is in the mood. And we didn't really do anything. Just fly around a bit.

"But fine. I'll try." Becca interjects forestalling further attempts to at discussion. "If I am not back by tomorrow, it probably decided to eat me," she concludes a little sullenly. Truth be told, Becca is not sure she can do it, or that Evileye will do it, or that it won't actually eat her. [[1]]

But first things first. Becca turns to Gord, who has been very quiet. "So, where exactly were you when you last saw Poke?" It takes some persistence to get the truth, but Becca is convinced Gord is hiding something. When he finally reveals it, chaos breaks out in the Hall. "We was at the Weirwood." The Weirwood is as it sounds; a place mothers tell their children to stay away from. Of course most children go there at some point, scare themselves silly, and get home safely. Mostly. It's not a place of evil, like Fogmoor. But it is a place touched by the Wild, and therefore more dangerous than places that are not.

"And I heard singing", Gord adds.

One the way out Becca snatches up an old bear pelt from one of the benches. It doesn't go unnoticed. "What? You try sitting on wyvern's back with nothing under your arse." Eventually, after time wasted discussing the matter, Lady Holden waves Becca out. Becca heads off, bear pelt under her arm. [[2]]

Becca heads for an open area and blows her horn. Its doesn't take long for Evileye at appear in the sky overhead and circle down to Becca. Sometimes it takes a while, sometimes it doesn't come at all, and sometimes it just appears for its own reasons. Becca cautiously throwns the bearskin over the wyvern's back and even more cautiously climbs aboard. "Come on, off we go," mutters Becca, while gently prodding the beast with her heels. Evileye shuffles around sniffing the ground like it has found something interesting, then violently launches itself skyward. With effort, Becca manages to wrestle Evileye to head in the direction she wants to go. En route, she spots Poke's family members, two men, a boy and a dog, heading towards the original location given to them by Gord. Becca considers trying to get Evileye to head over to them so she can point them in the right direction. But she is not sure how compliant Evileye is going to be, and so settles for blowing her horn in the hope that they hear it, and see her. [[3]] They look up and around, and wave at Becca. Becca waves back, trying to indicate "follow me". They don't appear to understand.

A short while later, Becca is approaching the edge of the Weirwood. The Wierwood looks much like other woods, only not. Becca would struggle to say exactly what it was that made it feel different. But everything that lived and breathed knew at some level that the Weirwood was a Wilde place. For some that meant it was dangerous, to others, a place of safety. Mostly unpleasant others. Not sure what else to do, Becca lets Evileye have its head to see where it takes her. In the meantime, Becca scans the forest below and blows her horn at intervals. [[4]] They have barely covered a few miles along the edge of the forest when Becca notices that the ground is slowly lost from view to a mist that seems to emerge from nowhere.

"We are getting nowhere," Becca snarls in frustration. "Stupid Poke!"

"So do we go back to the others? Or go ...." Evileye banks sharply and drops out of the sky. "Stupid wyvern," Becca mutters as they drop below the treetops and land on a small hill with bald crown. Becca slips off Evileye, grunting softly as she works the blood back into her legs. It is getting late in the day, but there are still a quite few hours of daylight left. For want of a better plan, Becca wonders around the top of the hill, blowing her horn and inspecting the lay of the land and hoping to see Poke emerge from the forest. [[5]]

A growl from Evileye alerts Becca to the presence of danger. Whirling around she spots a number of Marsh Rats emerging from the undergrowth. Becca pulls her axe and lets out a howl. She snatches up a rock and hurls at the rats, before dashing to another and throwing that the rats as well. All the while she goads the rats. "Come on little ratties. Come and try and bite and scratch. And I will stab and kick and crunch your bones and send you to bloody ratty oblivion!"

As soon as they are close enough, Becca leaps into the midst of them, hacking and kicking and stomping. The rats are startled for a moment, before swarming and biting as rats do. Becca slashes and kicks and stomps until those rats which can, turn and flee. Becca, breathing heavily, sends some choice insults their way. Becca considers her bloodied arms and legs. "That's going to hurt tomorrow." She glances over to where Evileye squats. "Thanks," she says. "You know, for warning.

"And I need to wash these wounds." She glances around. "Of course there is no water up ..." she adds before stopping abruptly. Why would marsh rats be up here? They like the wet. Which leads to another thought. Damp and ... misty. Is it a connection? I wish mum were here. She knows more than she lets on about the Weirwood. Becca knew this to be true although her mother has never spoken about it. When Becca was younger she would often stalk her mother when told to stay home. On a couple of occasions Becca watched her mother disappear into the Weirwood. Once, Becca followed her. Deeper than the children usually go to scare themselves. Becca doesn't recall much of the events in the wood. Eventually Evileye flew her out, filthy and shaken. It was the first time she had flown on the wyvern. She was still in shock when her mother returned home. Becca is pretty sure her mother knew exactly what Becca had done. But they never talked about it. Going into the Weirwood is not something you talk about. The Seer must walk a fine line between being accepted as touched, but not being suspected of being tainted.

Becca turns to Evileye. "Which way to the nearest water do you think? The wyvern responds with an unblinking stare. "That way do you think?" Becca responds pointing behind her. "I think so as well." Becca pulls out her horn and blows it a few more times. After waiting a few minutes to see if there is any response, she sets off in the direction indicated, heading down the hill and into the thickening mist. [[6]] By mid-summer, most of the small streams have dried up. It takes about hour of bashing through the forest before Becca finds a small stream where she can wash. The mist is ever-present, reducing visibility to about a hundred paces. More importantly obscuring the sun and sky, meaning Becca has almost no idea which direction they are travelling. At the stream Becca washes her wounds. Evileye drinks, then with a grunt, launches into the air and flys away. "naughty word," Becca grunts, realising that she was depending on Evileye to get out her of the forest.

Becca considers making a camp. So far, her efforts have amounted to nothing more than increasing the number of people lost in the Weirwood by one. But there is still a few hours of daylight left, and little be gained by standing still. Becca looks around, picks a direction at random, and continues searching. [[7]]

The Harrow Spider drops from above. Becca avoids the initial attack. The resultant fight is short and bloody. Becca takes a couple of grievous wounds and is on her knees when the spider rushes in for the kill. Becca buries her axe in its head, dropping it instantly. Becca crawls away from the dead spider, finding a nearby tree to prop herself against. Breathing heavily, she watches the spider until she is satisfied it is really dead. With a groan, she sets about pulling out supplies and bandaging her wounds.

"Thought you'z dead for sure," says a voice from the shadows.

Becca snatches up her axe, and scrambles to her feet.

"Easy there. I mean no harm. I thought I was dead before you came by and deaded the Harrow. Suppose I owe you now."

Spoiler: OOC

[[1]] A Vow is made: Troublesome. I want to keep this simple and short.
Gather Information (+1 bond) [Miss: 1 + 3 + 1 = 5 vs 5 | 10] Oh. I know what this means. Weirwood. Which means this Vow is going to be Dangerous. But also mark on Progress for the information.
Also, cos I wasn't sure which way I wanted to go, I asked the Oracle if characters can ride Wyvern. 50/50 (94) Yes.
[[2]] Resupply: [Weak Hit: 1 + 3 + 0 = 4 vs 1 | 4] Becca score a bears pelt (for her Bind Ritual. +1 supply, but she is at 5 anyway. I just wanted a pelt. -1 Momentum [1].
[[3]] Becca toys to get their attention. It's unlikely they hear. (83) They do. It's 50/50 they follow: (06) Nope.
[[4]] No idea what happens now. I am going to borrow from the Delve moves available on the site.
Delve the Depths (traverse a perilous site) [Miss: 1 + 3 + 0 = 4 vs 5 | 8]
Reveal a Danger: your way is blocked or trapped. Ok. The way is not blocked or trapped, but Becca is prevented from taking advantage of it. Yep. A mist, so no more scouting from the air.
[[5]] Gather information [Weak Hit: 1 + 3 = 4 vs 2 | 5] +2 Momentum [3]. From Delve Site Oracle: Wild Tanglewood I get Denizen Hunts. Let's go with Marsh Rats.
Secure an Advantage (+1 Berserker) [Strong Hit: 1 + 3 + 1 = 5 vs 4 | 3] Take control. Make a move now. +1
Enter the Fray (+1)[Weak Hit: 6 + 2 + 1 = 9 vs 10 | 3] Take Initiative.
Strike [Weak Hit: 6 + 2 + 0 = 8 vs 1 | 8] Inflict 2 harm [2]. Lose initiative.
Clash [Strong Hit: 6 + 2 + 0 = 8 vs 1 | 4] +1 momentum [4], inflict +1 harm [3], Take initiative.
[Progress Roll: Marsh Rats. Eat everything. Swarm and bite. :Weak Hit = 9 vs 9 | 7] Sigh. The remaining Rats flee. Becca Endures Harm vs 5 health
Endure Harm [Strong Hit: 5 + 5 + 0 = 10 vs 5 | 2] Embrace the pain, +1 momentum [4].
[[6]] Is this Progress? 50/50. (03) Nope.
Gather Information [Weak Hit: 3 + 3 + 0 = 6 vs 6 | 5] +1 Momentum [5] A complication or new danger. Ok.
[[7]] Really need a break.
Gather Information [Weak Hit: 6 + 3 + 0 = 9 vs 10 | 6] +1 Momentum [6] A complication or new danger? Action: Capture. Theme: Community. Harrow Spider.
Enter the Fray: Ambushed (vs Wits) [Strong Hit: 6 + 3 + 0 = 9 vs 5 | 2] +2 momentum [8]. Take initiative.
Strike (axe) [Miss: 4 + 2 + 0 = 6 vs 6 | 8] Suffer 2 Harm [2]. Lose Initiative.
Endure Harm [Weak Hit: 6 + 2 + 0 = 8 vs 6 | 10]. Press on.
Clash [Strong Hit: 6 + 2 + 0 = 8 vs 6 | 2] Inflict Harm 2. Find an opening Inflict +1 Harm [3]. Take initiative.
Strike [Miss: 2 + 2 + 0 = 4 vs 6 | 8] Suffer 2 Harm [0]. Lose Initiative.
Endure Harm: [Miss: 1 + 2 + 0 = 3 vs 7 | 4] -1 momentum [7]. Wounded.
Clash [Strong Hit: 2 + 2 + 0 = 4 vs 3 | 3] + Match. Inflict 2 harm. Take Initiative. Take +1 momentum [8]. Match? Find a (dubious) ally? 50/50 (83) Yes.
[Progress Roll: Harrow Spider :Strong Hit = 10 vs 3 | 9]
Heal [Weak Hit: 5 + 2 + 0 = 7 vs 3 | 7] +1 health [1]. -1 supply [4]. Remove Wounded condition.

Edit: corrected some errors and tidied up some of the writing.

 

[doghead]

Session 02 - In the Weirwood.

Becca scans the woods trying but failing to see the speaker. [[1]]

"Why do you hide? It makes me nervous. If you mean me no harm, then you have nothing to fear from me. Step out so I can see you."

"I hide because you are fearsome. You strike dead the Harrow. You send Marsh Rats to ratty oblivion. And you are hu ... not from here.

"Still. I owe an obligation," it continues. After a brief pause the stranger adds. "I will answer a question. But not here. Dead things attract hunters and scavengers. Will you follow me?"

Becca agrees and a slim humanoid figure slips out of the shades and leads Becca away from the corpse of the Harrow. Try as she might Becca cannot get close enough to the figure ahead of her to catch more than glimpses. Eventually the figure comes to a halt in the shadows, again, on the opposite site of a small clearing.

"That's close enough", and when Becca draws to a halt, the figure continues, "You may ask your question, and I will answer as best I can."

Becca takes a moment to catch her breath, clear some twigs from her hair and garments, and work out what to say. A question. One only. But until I ask a question, I have a captive audience. Maybe I can learn something before I ask. Especially if I can make it nervous.

"You were watching me!" Becca snarls shifting to a more aggressive stance, and getting a satisfying flinch in return. "You you saw me fight the rats. You saw us landing on the hill." Becca stalks back and forth, axe swinging in hand, slowly closing the gap with each turn. "You followed me through the woods. You heard me blowing my horn." Becca grabs her horn and blows it, eliciting another startled gesture.

"Don't", hisses the creature, glancing around nervously.

Becca stops still. "You heard me calling out Poke's name," she says quietly. The creature glances away. "You knew we were looking for someone.

"What happened to the boy who entered the woods this afternoon?"

The moments after asking, Becca is conscious of the sound of the woods around them; subdued it feels like.

"We took the boy," say the creature eventually, not meeting Becca's eyes, "and gave him to the dead girl in the lake." The creatures continues, making an effort to meet its end of the agreement to answer as best it could. "We call it the Lake of the Moon Silver. It is about half a day's travel from here. For you. In that direction," it concludes.

Becca releases a long slow breath. "yes, and?"

After a moment, the creature continues. "They played at the waters edge, all the while the dead girl leading him around the lake and away from us until they were gone from our sight.

"Will she kill Poke?"

The creature flinches again. "I don't have to answer that question," it responds, slowly beginning to back away from the clearing and Becca. Becca considers attempting to capture it. But she knows the creature is fast, and Becca is in no state to go dashing through the forest, or trying subdue the creature even if she can catch it. Blood still drips from the partially bandaged wounds.

"Does it sit well with you, what you did?" calls after the disappearing creature. There is no response.

Becca feels light headed. I need to attend my wounds. Then push on while there is still light enough to travel. I can rest up later if need be. [[3]] After attending to her wounds, Becca takes a deep breath and blows on her horn. Nothing happens. Stupid wyvern. With a sigh, Becca starts out in the direction given by the creature. [[4]] She works her way towards high ground, and eventually is rewarded by finding a place with a good view over the woods. In the distance, she can see the glint of water. The mist is clearing, Becca notices, but the sun is also setting and the twilight will soon be gone. [[5]] Becca decides to push on while there is still light enough to do so. Eventually she reaches a stream working its way down a gentle valley leading in the direction that (she thinks) leads to the lake. I must be close by now! But by now it is completely dark. And Becca is spent. Becca decides on discretion over valour and looks around for a place to camp.[[6]] But before settling down to rest, Becca takes her deer pelt and dances, reaching out for the spirit of the deer. She reaches it, but the call of the Wilde is strong and Becca has to wrestle her way back to her world leaving her feeling emotionally drained.

Becca rouses herself a first light and pushes on downstream. It doesn't't take long to get the the body of water she spotted below. Becca spends several minutes blowing her horn, and calling Poke's name. Nothing. Determined not to lose heart, Becca proceeds to work her way around the edge of the lake reaching for signs of human activity at the waters edge. She finds nothing. [[7]] After about a hour, Becca reaches the bottom of the lake where the waters flow into a small river. It's fairly slow moving, and not too deep. With a sigh, Becca proceeds to cross. She is almost there when a figure erupts from the water behind her. Becca may be losing heart, but she has kept her wits about her. A flash of movement seen out of the corner of eye is enough warning and Becca jumps aside just in time to avoid the ghostly pale girl with long fingers ending in nasty claws. Sodden! Taking advantage of the Sodden's momentary surprise, Becca scrambles up the river bank and stumbles away from the water.

For a moment the two girls glare at each other, Becca crouched with axe in hand, the Sodden with just her eyes showing above the water. Becca releases a long slow breath and tries to gather her thoughts. She is safe enough on land. But Sodden are rumoured to be relentless in pursuit of anyone who escapes them. Which is not so good. On the other hand, Becca realises, there is a good chance that this is "the dead girl in the lake".

"My name is Becca. I am looking for a little boy called Poke."

Nothing.

"He is lost in the woods. The Landvaettir took him and gave him to a girl in a lake."

Again nothing.

"Is that you?"

The Sodden nods.

"Can I have him back? His mother is very worried."

A spasm of something flashes across the Sodden's face. Followed by a slow shake of the head. [[8]]

Spoiler: OOC

[[1]] Does Becca see anything? 50/50. (19) No.
[[2]] Becca is going to leverage her Berserker heritage.
Secure Advantage (+1 Berserker) [Strong Hit: 6 + 3 + 1 = 10 vs 9 | 5] +1 momentum [9]. Take Control (+1)
Gather Information [Strong Hit: 3 + 3 + 1 = 7 vs 1 | 6] +2 Momentum [10]
[[3]] Heal [Weak Hit: 6 + 2 + 0 = 8 vs 8 | 1] +2 health [3], -1 momentum [9].
[[4]] Although it is not far, Becca doesn't really have much to go on. So I am going to use Undertake a Journey (Troublesome/3P per WP)
Undertake a Journey [Strong Hit: 6 + 3 + 0 = 9 vs 8 | 1] Mark Progress [3].
[[5]] Will there be enough moonlight to travel by? 50/50 (29) No.
Undertake a Journey [Weak Hit: 3 + 3 + 0 = 6 vs 1 | 7] Mark progress [6] -1 Supply [3]
[[6]] Make Camp [Weak Hit: 1 + 4 + 0 = 5 vs 3 | 10] Recuperate +1 Health.
Is there enough moonlight to perform the bind Ritual? Likely (65) Yes.
Perform Bind Ritual [Weak Hit: 2 + 3 + 0 = 5 vs 7 | 2] Add +1 for Heart rolls, Endure 2 Stress [3].
[[7]]Tossing up whether to make another Undertake move here, or a Reach Destination move (Actually, I think this should be called End Journey, because it quite possible the character has not reached their destination). I think, given that the lake is the only lead Becca has so far, I don't want too risk a miss (Progress is currently 6). The narrative indicates she has not yet finished her journey. That said, it feels like, given time is not her friend here, so gambling on a successful Reach Destination is the right move. sigh
Reach Destination [Progress Roll: Undertake a Journey: :Miss = 6 vs 6 | 6] With a Match. Yep 666. Time to turn to the Oracles.
Action: Breach. Theme: Opportunity. Something emerges seeing an opportunity? What? Rank (67) Formidable. Goal: Protect a Person. OK. Its a Sodden looking to keep Poke.
Enter the Fray (Ambush) [Miss: 1 + 3 + 0 = 4 vs 4 | 8] Burn Momentum (9) Strong Hit. +2 momentum [4]. Take initiative.
Face Danger (get out of the river) [Strong Hit: 3 + 3 + 0 = 6 vs 3 | 2] Safe.
[[8]] I am going to Mark 2 Progress [4]. After learning that Poke was taken by the forest folk and given to the dead girl in the lake, Becca has now found the lake and encountered the dead girl. Still, a long way to go.

 

[doghead]

Session 03 - Speak with the Dead.

The next question is obvious, but Becca is afraid to ask it for fear of the answer. [[1]].

"Why do you want Poke?"

"My old friends left me. But now I have a new friend. We play together."

"Is Poke alive?"

The girl frowns. "Yes. I am looking after him. I keep him safe. But he will die. They all die in the end. Then I have no friends again and I am lonely."

A cold chill runs down Becca's spine. She does her best to ignore it.

"What is your name?"

The girl frowns for a moment before responding. "I told you my name. You are trying to trick me."

"I'm sorry. I forgot," Becca responds hastily. "Did you tell me where you are from?"

Another pause, then the slightly halting response. "No. I don't think so. I am from Home. I used to be from Home, but now I am from here. I can't go Home anymore. But my new friends can come here. They stay with me. But then they can't go Home either.

Becca furiously considers her options. She discards the option of trying to kill the Sodden. Even if I could kill her, which I am not sure I can, I would still have to find Poke. But truth be told, Becca has no stomach for killing the girl.

"I have some thing that will help keep Poke safe." She takes her wold skin pelt and lays it on the ground, and then places what food she has with her in the wolfskin. "A wolfskin, to keep him warm, and some food. If you will give them to Poke, I promise to help you find a way Home." [[2]]

The girl is silent for a moment before responding. "First I must taste your blood. Then I will know. Anytime you enter water."

After a little back and forth on the arrangements, the girl withdraws from the shore and Becca deposits the supplies at the waters edge, before adding some blood to the water. She doesn't need to cut herself, she has plenty of fresh wounds still. [[3]] As her blood hits the water, the dead girl erupts from the below the surface snatching at Becca's outstretched arm. Instinctively, Becca slashes at the Sodden with the knife she kept close. Becca hits, but the Sodden has hold of her arm, and starts to pull Becca into the water.

"Let me go," snarls Becca, "Or you will never get to go Home."

For an instant the dead girl relaxes her grip enough for Becca to yank free and scramble out of the water.

"You lied." pants Becca "You cheated. Nobody likes a lier and cheat. Nobody wants to play with them."

The dead girl visibly flinches and rocks back and forth in the water as Becca spits outs accusations. Becca feels slightly sick, but relentlessly pushes on. [[3]]
Is that why your friends left you? If I tell the people at home that you are a lier and cheat, will they say, we don't really want her home if she lies and cheats."

"You must not say that. I am a not a lier. Not cheat." the dead girl whispers.

"Then you must promise to do something for me. You must promise to keep Poke safe, and stay here, where I can find you again. And come when I return."

The dead girl nods.

Becca lets out a slow breath, and slowly moves away from the small bundle of supplies. The dead girl eventually moves to the edge of the water and collects the bundle. Holding it close to her chest, she drifts back into the deeper water on her back watching Becca all the while. After a brief stalemate, Becca turns her back on the lake and heads not the woods. When she looks back, the dead girl is gone.

Becca sinks to the ground and leans against a tree. She wants to shut her eyes and sleep. But despite the distance, she is reluctant to take her eyes off the lake. Eventually she hauls herself back to her feet, and considers how to get home. She pulls out her horn and blows it on the chance that Evileye will return. She hasn't really had the chance to consider his strange behaviour. He has never taken so long to respond to the horn before. [[4]] Becca scans the sky for a while, but there is no sign of Evileye.

A thought strikes Becca. She realises that there is something that she should do first, before returning home. She needs to speak to the Landvaettir. They know more about the dead girl than anyone. Despite all that she learnt from the dead girl, Becca feels like she is still a long way from being able to return Poke home.

Spoiler: OOC

[[1]] I don't really see any other move options for Becca at the moment.
Gather Information [Weak Hit: 4 + 3 + 0 = 7 vs 8 | 1] +1 Momentum [5].
[[2]] -2 Supply [2]
Compel (Heart +1) [Miss: 2 + 2 + 1 = 5 vs 5 | 6] Burn Momentum. Weak hit. +1 momentum [3].
Oracle. Does the Sodden attempt to take this opportunity and attack Becca? 50/50.(90) Yes. Of course, the dead girl is a Sodden.
Enter the Fray (Ambushed) [Strong Hit: 1 + 3 + 0 = 4 vs 2 | 3] +2 Momentum [5]. Take the Initiative.
Strike (Iron) [Weak Hit: 1 + 2 + 0 = 4 vs 4 | 5] Inflict 2 Harm, lose initiative. Got to get out of this fight.
Face Danger (Wits) [Strong Hit: 3 + 3 + 0 = 6 vs 3 | 5] +1 momentum [6].
[[3]]
Secure an Advantage (Wits, +1 Berserker) [Weak Hit: 4 + 3 + 1 = 8 vs 10 | 1] +1 momentum [7]
Compel (Heart, +1 Bind) [Strong Hit: 5 + 2 + 1 = 8 vs 5 | 3]
[[4]] What is going on here?
Oracle. Does Evileye return? 50/50 (18) No.
Oracle. Is there a reason he has stayed away so far? Likely (87) Yes.
Oracle. Does it have something to do with the Landvaettir? Likely (44) Yes.
[[5]] I am not sure if Becca's encounter with the Sodden indicates progress. Sure she has learnt some things, and managed to secure a promise from the Sodden to remain in the area. But also, unsure as to what's next.
Oracle. is this progress? 50/50 (85) Yes. Mark 2 Progress. [6].

 

[doghead]

Session 04 - Ignored

Becca has a strong suspicion that the Landvaettir are nearby, watching her. They were watching when she flew in on Evileye. And they followed her after they landed. Becca calls out, but there is no response. [[1]].

Have they gone? Or are they just ignoring me?

Becca knows that home is to the south and east. She thinks she can get there before nightfall if she leaves soon. But the Weirwood can be tricky, getting back here may be more difficult. Unless she has help. Glancing around, Becca decides to see if she can find the Landvaettir. "Ready or not, I coming," she growls. [[2]]

Becca works her way around the lake eventually coming across signs of an occupation, a camp of sorts. But there is no-one there now. But it appears that they left fairly recently, and in a hurry. Becca scavenges the site. Unfortunately, she is not the only one who has decided to do so. [[3]]

Becca fails to see the lifeless, motionless Bonewalker until it surges into motion, slamming her with its shield and sending her axe spinning away. Becca dives for her axe, grabbing it an scrambling to her feet as the Bonewalker relentlessly presses forwards. Panic threatens to overwhelm her. She suspects she may have wet herself. Not really important right now.

Becca howls a Wilde challenge at the Bonewalker and charges. It shifts to a defensive stance. At the last moment she goes low, shifting her axe to her off hand and slamming it into the Bonewalker's exposed leg. Its stumbles. Becca steps in close and slams her axe into its neck with a sickening crunch. The Bonewalker collapses to the ground. It's head rolls free.

Becca steps back, panting and shaking. Eventually she gathers her wits enough to look around for any more threats. The woods are quiet. [[4]] Maybe too quiet. But Becca is too spent to consider trying to find the Landvaettir if they don't want to found. Instead, she searches the body of the Bonewalker. The weapons and armour are rusted and rotten. The haft of the axe is rotten, as is the timber of the shield. It felt sound enough when he bashed me with it. Becca does find a small carved ivory around the man's neck. It is a boar, like the crude symbol painted on the shield. Becca takes it, along with the axehead. If it cannot be restored, it can be melted down and reforged.

Becca glances at the sky. The morning is half done. She has to get moving if she is to get out of the Weirwood before nightfall. But she is tired, and her wounds have opened up again. Tend to your wounds first. Then go. [[5]] Orientating herself by the sun, Becca heads off in the direction that, she thinks, will take her home. She makes sound progress, but by late afternoon she is struggling. She consumes the last of her food and pushes on. The woods seem endless, but eventually, as daylight begins to fade, she tops a small hill with a view over the surrounds. In front of her are open hills, but they are not familiar. Becca is lost.

I need food, and it is not going to be any easier to find in the dark. [[6]]

By the time Becca has found enough nuts and berries to make more than one meal, darkness has descended. Becca sets off again, heading east. Hengistburn is one of the most westerly circles. If Becca has come out of the Weirwood too far to the west, she could miss it entirely if she heads south. And there is nothing but wilderness in that direction.

Its is not long before Becca spots a light up ahead. As she gets closer, it is revealed to be a small camp fire. Becca circles around as quietly as she is able but as far as she can tell, there is just one person present. Becca must make a decision; announce herself or move on. Becca announces herself and asks for permission to approach, which is give. Becca cautiously enters the dim light of the fire, hands clearly visible. Courtesies are exchanged and Becca takes a position across the fire from the woman, judging by the voice.

"It is late, and far from anywhere. The living are mostly tucked up safe behind closed doors. The dead, however, wander endlessly. You are not dead, but you have the stink of them about you. Why is that?" As she talk, Becca feels the woman's gaze boring into her skull. The world around her starts to shrink away.

"No" Becca snarls, the Wilde inside her rising up. Red in tooth and claw, it assaults the mind of the mystic, sending it reeling back, momentarily dazed. Becca surges to her feet and begins to dance, reaching down the remains of the link between them to Bind the other woman's spirit. The woman stumbles to her feet, drawing a dagger before her resistance collapses, and she sinks to her knees.

"You don't know what you have done, do you?" whispers the Mystic. And Becca absolutely doesn't.

Spoiler: OOC

[[1]] Oracle: Are the Landvaettir watching Becca? Likely. (9) No.
[[2]] Gather Information [Weak Hit: 5 + 3 + 0 = 8 vs 8 | 6] +1 momentum [8].
[[3]] Resupply [Miss: 2 + 3 + 0 = 5 vs 8 | 8] with a Match.
Challenge Oracle: Dangerous. 2P/harm. Inflicts 2 Harm [2]
Oracle: Does the Bonewalker get the jump on Becca 50/50 (75) Yes.
Enter the Fray (Ambushed) [Miss: 5 + 3 + 0 = 8 vs 8 | 8] with a match. Suffer 2 harm [2]. Lose her axe (now she only inflicts 1 Harm).
Face Danger (Get the axe back. Edge) [Weak Hit: 3 + 3 + 0 = 6 vs 3 | 9] Suffer stress -1 Spirit [4].
Secure an Advantage (feint, +1 berserker) [Strong Hit: 6 + 3 + 1 = 10 vs 1 | 3] Take control, +1 move. +1 momentum (berserker)
Strike [Strong Hit: 4 + 2 + 1 = 9 vs 1 | 8] Burn momentum [2] Inflict 3 harm (Mark 6 progress[6]) Retain initiative.
End the Fight [Progress Roll: Bonewalker. Destroy life (2/2) :Strong Hit = 6 vs 5 | 4]. OK. I may have cheered and fist pumped at this point.
[[4]] Oracle. Are the Landvaettir watching? Likely. (56) Yes.
Oracle. Do they reveal themselves? 50/50 (43) No.
Oracle. Does she find anything worthwhile? Unlikely (96) Yes. What is it?
Oracle. Action: Debate. Theme: Protection. It's a small figurine, carved ivory. A boar. Ok, and few coins.
[[5]] Heal (Iron) [Weak Hit: 4 + 2 + 0 = 6 vs 10 | 1] +2 health [4]. -1 Supply [1].
Undertake a Journey (Troublesome) [Strong Hit: 5 + 3 + 0 = 8 vs 4 | 3] Good use of resources. 3 Progress [3].
Undertake a Journey (Troublesome) [Weak Hit: 3 + 3 + 0 = 6 vs 4 | 10] Mark 3 Progress [6] -1 Supply [0]
Out of Supply. Mark Unprepared.
Undertake a Journey (Troublesome) [Weak Hit: 3 + 3 + 0 = 6 vs 6 | 2] Mark 3 Progress [9] -1 Supply (Take as Endure Stress -1 Spirit [3].
End Journey [Progress Roll: Undertake a Journey (Troublesome) 3/WP :Miss = 9 vs 9 | 10] Clear all but one progress. Increase the rank (Dangerous).
Oracle. Has she reached the edge of the Woods? 50/50 (59) Yes.
[[6]] Resupply. [Weak Hit: 1 + 3 + 0 = 4 vs 8 | 2] Takes +2 supply for -2 momentum [0].
Undertake a Journey (Dangerous) [Miss: 4 + 3 + 0 = 7 vs 9 | 10] Waylaid by a perilous event.
Oracle. Action: Explore: Theme. History. Combat Action: Attack with power. Challenge: Dangerous. Location: Mystic site. Ok. A mystic. And given the encounters so far, one with an unhealthy obsession with the undead.
Face Danger (resist compulsion Heart +1) [Strong Hit: 3 + 2 + 1 = 6 vs 1 | 1] with a Match. +1 momentum [1].
Secure an Advantage (Wits, +1 Berserker) [Weak Hit: 6 + 3 + 1 = 10 vs 10 | 3] +1 momentum, +1 momentum berserker [3]
Compel (+1 heart, +1 berserker) [Strong Hit: 6 + 2 + 0 = 8 vs 3 | 3] With a Match. +1 momentum [4], +1 gather information.

 

[doghead]

Session 05 - Ties that Bind

The Mystic shifts slowly back to stone she was sitting on before. The dagger is still in hand, but she seems to have forgotten about it. [[1]] Becca watches her closely, poised to move, hand on axe.

"You don't have to worry," the Mystic says softly. "I am not going to try anything. It's too dangerous for me." She looks up at Becca and laughs softly. "You really don't know what you have done do you?"

Becca takes a couple of long slow breaths to calm her breathing and mind as her mother taught her. She stops worrying at the question and instead focus on what she knows, sense and feels. The warm presence of the deer spirit is gone. In its place, something more vibrant, unsettled, unsettling. Each of the spirits Becca has bound previously has its own unique feeling. The deer is like a warm stone besides her heart, the fox a joyful urge to hide, deceive and misdirect. Becca senses she can draw what she wants from the Mystic. Becca resists the urge to try. Every time you draw on the spirit, there is a chance that the Binding will break.

"I think I do," responds Becca. "I have bound your spirit, and its strength is mine to draw on."

The Mystic nods slowly. "Yes, but do you understand what that means for me? You would undoubtably hurt me. You could kill me."

Becca remains silent.

"Please release me," the Mystic pleads, staring intently at Becca. Her eyes are dark, and her round face is pale. The Mystic is younger than Becca initially thought. The Mystic holds the dagger with both hands in her lap, clutching at it like it was some form of talisman.

But in truth, Becca does not know if she can.

"Why did you attack me?" Becca demands instead. [[2]]

The Mystic is nonplussed for a moment by the change in direction, and tone.

"I didn't. I mean, I sensed something about you. A connection. I wanted answers. I was hasty. But I meant you no harm.

"A connection with the undead you mean?"

There is a sharp drawing of breath from the Mystic. Then she nods.

"I spent most of the day talking to a dead girl in a lake. She tried to kill me. Twice. Then a fought a Bonewalker." A sharp intake of breath from the Mystic. "I took some things from ... him, it. That is the connection."

"Tell me about the Bonewalker. Can you describe any devices? What did you take?" Questions tumble out of the Mystic until Becca holds up a hand.

"I am Becca. What is your name, Mystic? And why are you here?"

"I am Kanno. I seek to discover the fate of the Earl of Whiteridge and his band, and to return his remains to his great grandson." Kanno goes on to outline the tale of the tale of Torgan. It is vaguely familiar to Becca. Torgan was one of the first settlers on Iceland, and played a role the opening up of this region. "I have been searching the lore, and the devices of his band have been reported on the shields and arms of the Bonewalkers in this area," Kanno states. Becca tries to suppress a snort of laughter. "Anyone from around here could have told you that."

But, it appears that the local tales and the old lore agree, Torgan and his band died in the Weirwood nearly a century ago. Becca does learn that this spot, where they sit, is the remains of the shrine built by Torgan decades ago, and that Kanno has a better plan than just blundering around hoping to stumble across the Bonewalkers. The Mystic can sense the undead, and more interestingly to Becca, hints at ways to deal with them.

"Can you gentle the undead? Can you gentle a Sodden?" Becca asks. "Don't lie to me, I will know. I can smell lies," she adds, stroking the fox pelt edging her cloak. And know this, if you can, and you swear to help me do so for the girl in the lake, then I do my best to release you from the Binding."

Kanno is silent for a moment before responding. "I will swear to help you gentle the Sodden, if you swear to assist me recover the remains of Torgan."

Becca snorts. "No. Not happening. You don't know where he is. You don't even know if he is one of the Bonewalkers. I will take you to the remains of the Bonewalker I ... um, killed. That's my best offer."

The Mystic, after a moment, nods in agreement and a bargain is made.

Spoiler: OOC

[[1]] Character Oracle. Name: Kanno. Descriptor: Wild, Determined, Jealous. Disposition: Desperate. Activity: Constructing. Goal: Enrich Themselves.
Oracle: Does her activity have anything to do with the Bonewalker Becca fought? Possible (88) Yes.
Oracle: Can you Bind more than one spirit at a time? Possible (46) No.
With hindsight, I should have played out the conflict between Becca and the Mystic a bit more to get a better idea of what it means play wise. But it was late, and two positive Matches seemed justification to declare a win.
Oracle: Does drawing on the spirit of the Mystic inflict harm? Likely (88) Yes.
Oracle: I am going to say the dagger is significant, but is it magical? Unlikely (50) No.
[[2]] Secure Advantage [Weak Hit: 3 + 3 + 0 = 6 vs 5 | 9] +1 momentum [5]
[[3]] Oracle. Is the grandson the King? Unlikely (42) No. Is his grandson a powerful noble in the Kingdom? Likely (47) Yes.
[[4]] Secure Advantage [Strong Hit: 5 + 3 + 1 = 9 vs 2 | 6] Make a move +1
Compel (Iron) [Weak Hit: 1 + 2 + 2 = 5 vs 2 | 5] +1 Momentum [6]. Ha. If Becca had used her Bind ability she could have achieved a strong hit, but lost the Binding. That would have been interesting.

thotd

 

[doghead]

Session 06 - Hard Home

The silence that follows is broken by solid thump and the scrabbling of claws on stone as Evileye drops out of the night sky and comes to rest on the remains of a low stone wall. [[1]]

Kanno lets out a startled squeak. Becca lets outs a sigh.

"Finally," Becca states. "Well now that you are here, you can make yourself useful. Given how useless you have been recently. "I'm going to get some sleep. Make sure that Kanno here does not try to kill me." Evileye swings its unblinking gaze on to the Mystic. It's an unnerving experience. Becca has been on the receiving end enough to know. To the Mystic's credit, she only takes a couple of small steps backwards.

Becca wraps herself in her cloak and stares into the flames reviewing what she knows, and what options she has before eventually falling asleep. [[2]]

The next morning, Becca announces her intention to return to Hengistburn. [[3]] Becca half expects Kanno to objects, but she does not. They head out in the early morning light. They make steady, but slow progress. By noon, Becca is out of supplies, and the terrain still unfamiliar. Becca begins to regret not taking time to forage. But driven by the sense of losing time she does not have, she pushes on. Eventually Becca sights a familiar landmark, and a short time later, Hengistburn comes into view. [[4]]

Standing across the path that leads into the circle is a small group. Lady Holden is front and centre, with a couple of the circle matrons. There is little in the way of warmth in the way that they watch Becca and Kanno as they approach.

"You are back," Lady Holden states as they get close enough. "Without Poke, as far as I can see. But with a stranger. Why are you here, and not out with the others searching? What is it that you have been doing such that you return from the west, when the Weirwood is to the north?

Becca falters for a moment, nonplussed by the response.

"I need to speak to my mother," responds eventually.

"Ariel has gone with Lord Holden and the others to the Weirwood. There is plenty of time for you to make it you leave now.

Becca considers the news she has, and it's likely reception given the general attitude of the village to the Wilde. Becca considers asking Lady Holden to speak in private, but then rejects the idea. She is tired and sore. She has nearly been killed, several times. She has done her best for the circle. Time to see how things really lie. [[5]]

"Poke is in the Weirwood. He is being held by a Sodden; a little girl who drowned some time in the past. She believes that she was abandoned by her friends. Now she gathers new friends. I need supplies, and to tend my wounds. But most of all, I need answers. If I can get them, then I think I can get Poke back, and perhaps save a little girl who is desperate to go home." Becca talks through the stoked gasps, the accusations she has killed Poke, that she is touched.

"Oh Becca," Lady Holden says eventually, gesturing the other women to silence. "You have a good heart. But I fear that they are right. The Sodden are lost to the gods. It cannot be done."

"Well actually," says Kanno, speaking for the first time, "it may be possible. I have some knowledge of these things." Again there is confusion until Lady Holden recovers her poise, takes charge and herds everyone back to the Hall. Becca has her wounds re-bandaged, really at this point they just need time. She manages to scrounge some supplies however. But most importantly, she seeks answer from the women around her. Who is the dead girl, and where is her home? [[6]] It is not one of the lost children from Hengistburn. One was a girl, but her body was found. The other two were boys. No one knows of any other possibilities.

As the women talk, Kanno leans in close to Becca. "This is not what we agreed to. I agreed to help you gentle the girl's spirit. You wish to give her a path back to the gods. That is much more difficult. If I am to agree to do so, to try to do so, you must agree, must swear, to help me find Torgan's remains.

Becca is silent for a long time.

Spoiler: OOC

[[1]] Oracle: Does Evileye return? Likely (Now Becca is out of the Weirwood and away from the Landvaettir territory) (93) Yes. Finally.
[[2]] Make Camp. (+1 due to camp already established) [Weak Hit: 4 + 0 + 1 = 5 vs 8 | 4] Prepare +1 Momentum [7]
[[3]] I am not sure if Kanno wants to go to Hengistburn. However, rather than use the Oracle, I will assume a Miss means she resists/objects.
Undertake a Journey [Weak Hit: 2 + 3 + 0 = 5 vs 8 | 2] Reach WP [3]. -1 Supply [1]
Undertake a Journey [Weak Hit: 3 + 3 + 0 = 6 vs 9 | 2] Reach WP [5]. -1 Supply [0] Mark Condition: Unprepared.
Undertake a Journey [Weak Hit: 3 + 3 + 0 = 6 vs 1 | 9] Reach WP [7]. -1 Supply [-1] Lose Momentum [6].
[[4]] [Progress Roll: Undertake a Journey (home) (Troublesome) 3/WP. Now (Dangerous) (2/WP) :Weak Hit = 7 vs 7 | 2] Reach destination but face an unforeseen hazard or complication. Becca really needs to Sojourn, so I am going to take that action off the table as an immediate option. The question is, why?
Oracle: Action: Falter. Theme: Relationship. OK. Lets say Lady Holden is blocking Becca's return. Why? I think she cares deeply about Elizabeth, and Becca is an uncomfortable unknown. Who is Becca? Why is she, rather than Elizabeth favoured by the wyvern?
[[5]] Test Bond [Strong Hit: 6 + 0 + 0 = 6 vs 3 | 3] with a Match. +1 Spirit [4]. Kanno does have the capacity to assist Becca save the Sodden. How, not quite sure yet, but it is feasible. Note: remember to select the Attribute before rolling.
Sojourn [Weak Hit: 4 + 2 + 1 = 7 vs 7 | 2] Clear Condition (Equip) +1. Supply [1]. Provision +2 Supply [3].
[[6]] Gather Information [Miss: 2 + 3 + 1 = 6 vs 9 | 10] Dire threat or unwelcome truth.
Oracle. Action: Debate. Theme: Price. Kanno wishes to renegotiate. OK. Some definitions are needed her. By Gentling, kano is referring to releasing the spirit from its torment by essentially destroying it. An end without an afterlife. Returning the spirit to the gods means giving to a path to redemption?

If Becca agrees, I think that will be at least a Rank increase, maybe two ranks. So much for a couple of simple vows to gain some experience before tackling Becca's Background vow. This game has a way of upending expectations.

 

[doghead]

Session 07 - Another Bust

"What if it's impossible? We could spend forever searching and never find them," Becca responds eventually.

"Then we have will have plenty of time to become friends," says Kanno with a slight smile that Becca cannot read. Becca is not sure which is more disconcerting; the possibility of an impossible task, or of a Kanno as a friend.

Becca nods, and it is done. [[1]] Becca returns her attention to the other people in the room to discover they are awaiting an answer to a question of their own. "Are you ready?"

"Yes," Becca responds, getting to her feet. As they head out, Lady Holden draws Becca aside. "Your friend," Lady Holden says quietly, "Kanno. She is an eater of the dead I think. Be careful."

Great. My first friend is a death eater. Probably.

The two women set off for the Wierwood. Evileye ignores Becca, preoccupied with scratching his back against a tree. About hour later the wyvern lands just ahead of Becca and Kanno, watches them walk past and then follows.

"Is it your companion?" asks Kanno.

Becca snorts with laughter. "Yes. No. Sort of. It just hangs around. And gives me the evil eye a lot.

"A hawk would be more useful to you. Or maybe a hound."

"I had a puppy once. Evileye ate her."

Which pretty much ends the conversation until they get to within sight of the Wierwood. At the edge of the wood is a small camp around a large bonfire. Becca recognises a few of the people even at a distance. [[2]] Lord Holden and along with a couple of his house carls. Ariel, Becca's mother and Ariadne, Brand's niece.

Lord Holden steps forwards to greet Becca and Kanno as they arrive at the fire and Becca explains what has happened so far. Again. The response is pretty much the same as well. Lord Holden proposes that Becca and Kanno wait until Brand and his wardens return so the latter can accompany the former back into the woods. Becca agrees, but not because she wants their company, but because she doesn't. [[3]] The Wardens are skilled with bow and axe, and handy in a fight. But Becca fears that going in mob handed will spook the Landvaettir, and Becca desperately wants to speak with them. Surprisingly, Lord Holden acquiesces. As soon as the Wardens emerge, Becca and Kanno set off.

Becca omitted to mention the Landvaettir's role in Poke's disappearance. It would have been a certain path to violence. Afterwards, as they wait for the Wardens, Becca and her mother have a quiet word away from the others. Becca tells her mother the whole story, hoping that Ariel will have some insights. [[4]] She does. Significantly, she scratches out a map in the dirt showing the way to the Silver Moon Lake.

During the conversation, Becca is aware of her mother watching Kanno, and vice versa. "Do you know her?" Ariel shakes her head, but cautions Becca to be cautious, cos, you know, she is a witch. Aren't we all?

Becca and Kanno set off with some daylight remaining, but it is dark by the time that they reach the Silver Lake. But instead of heading to the water's edge, Becca leads Kanno to the site of the Bonewalker's remains. As Kanno crouches over the remains doing witchy stuff, Becca makes a camp. As she works, she addresses the darkness.

"I'm back, with a friend. I'm Becca by the way. This is Kanno." The last remark draws an angry glance from Kanno. Witches are so touchy about names. "I am here to take Poke, the little boy, and girl in the lake home. As you know. Kanno is here to find the remains of Torgan, the Earl of Whiteridge. He died in the Weirwood three, four score years ago. That was one of his men, once. Do you remember him?" [[6]]

"I don't think that they are watching us," says Kanno.

Becca sighs, and plonks herself down by the fire. It's a good fire. Becca stares into the flames for a while before turning her attention back to Kanno.

"So, did you find anything interesting?"

Spoiler: OOC

[[1]] Oracle: Does Kanno's demand increase the rank by two? Possible. (75) Yes.
OK. I thought that I had made the earlier promise to Kanno a Vow (Troublesome). Apparently not. So I am going to retcon it, then modify to Formidable as per the Oracle. Also, while on the subject of Vows, I am going to change "Assist the circle to find Poke" to "Assist the circle to bring Poke home".
[[2]] Oracle: Are the Wardens in the Woods? Possible. (97) Yes.
[[3]] Oracle: Does Lord Holden agree with Becca's proposition? Unlikely (84) Yes.
[[4]] Gather Information (+1 Bond Mother) [Strong Hit: 4 + 3 + 1 = 8 vs 4 | 1] Discover something helpful. +2 momentum. So I am going to say Ariel's assistance will allow Becca to find the lake without having to Undertake a Journey (again).
Oracle: Do Ariel and Kanno know each other? Unlikely (16) No.
[[5]] Make Camp [Strong Hit: 3 + 3 + 0 = 6 vs 5 | 4] Relax +1 Spirit [5], +1 Focus +1 momentum [7]
[[6]] Oracle: Are the Landvaettir watching Becca? Likely (3) No. Oh. So much for plan A

 

[doghead]

Session 08 - Words to Fear

Kanno settles back on her haunches. She has set up some candles in a circle around the remains of the Bonewalker.

"No as yet," Kanno responds. "If this is, was one of Torgan's band, there are things we can learn from him. But to do so, I will need something from you. The boar figurine."

Kanno turns to Becca and holds out her hand. Kanno's face is marked with dark smears giving it a somewhat skeletal look in the flickering firelight. Becca hands over the figurine. Kanno puts it in her mouth, then casts the carved stones she had in her other hand. And then casts them again. And then again. Becca keeps watch over the darkness and silence, punctuated by be period rattle of Kanno's stones landing in the inscribed wooden bowl. [[1]]

Finally Kanno stands and stretches her back with a soft groan. "He was one of Torgan's Ironsworn. They were on a raid based on a rumour of something powerful. A prize of some sort, or a means to overcoming the woods. For they were resisting Torgan's settlement. But it was a trap, and they all died here.

"Oh, and your wyvern is back," says Kanno, pointing to a pair of eyes watching from the edge of the light. "It moves quietly enough when it wants to," she adds, mostly to herself. Evileye slinks closer to the fire, settling to the ground close enough for Becca to be able to reach out and pat its head. She doesn't.

"I have enough, I think. Time to see what the flames can tell me." Kanno works a few more kinks out of her back and then settles down in front of the fire. She tosses a few things into the flames that spark and smoke a bit. "Don't disturb me. Unless I start trying gouge my eyes out." [[2]]

Becca watches as Kanno stares into the flames for what seems like another age. With a quiet gasp, Kanno returns to the here and now. "It was a trap. Those that made it that far died there. The Landvaettir were there, they helped create the magic that captured Togan. But it is weakening, and they are struggling to contain the Bonewalkers that break free. That is our leverage."

"Great," Becca responds. "Pity they don't want to talk to us." Becca rolls herself up in her cloak, and goes to sleep.

The next morning finds Becca scavenging the remains of the camp. Again, she finds nothing of value before Kanno rises. [[3]]

"We need to find the Landvaettir," says Kanno. Becca doesn't disagree, but saving Poke comes first. Kanno tries to convince Becca that finding the Landvaettir first could help. But Becca is adamant. Eventually Kanno accedes.

"Let's go meet the dead girl. But before we go, you need to tell me everything you know, or suspect about her. Yes I know, again. And gather up some firewood." And after Becca is done, they head to the lake where Becca throws a bloody bandage into the water.

"I prefer fresh blood," says the dead girl after she surfaces.

"Sorry, not sorry," responds Becca, drawing a snort of laughter from Kanno. "Where is Poke. Is he alive?" After a back and forth, Becca learns that he is nearby, but the dead girl won't say more. Meanwhile, Kanno creates a small fire by the edge of the lake and settles down before it to stare into the flames. [[4]]

Becca staggers and collapses forwards, her hand going into the water. The dead girl surges forward. [[5]] Becca manages to stab the dead girl a couple of times, but fails to take advantage of the moment to escape. The Sodden pulls Becca in deeper. Becca keeps stabbing, and this time, and stabbing and stabbing until she realises that the Sodden is motionless. Becca staggers out of the lake, dragging the dead girl with her.

The dead girl appears smaller on land, a small bundle of mostly rags and seagrass. The girl's eyes are pale blue and stare at Becca accusingly. But her expression I unreadable. Becca wonders what she thought she would see, before coving the girl with a cloak.

"Will that still work," Becca asks Kanno, pointing to the fire. "Can you find her name, where she was from?"

"Are you sure? Sometime there is a price to pay?" Kanno says quietly.

A fact that Becca knows all too well. For a moment she falters. "Do it. She has endured enough. The least I can do is give her back her name."

Kanno nods and turns her attention to the fire. After a while, she announces "Nisus. Her name was Nisus."

Spoiler: OOC

So was thinking of riffing off some of the assets her to determine what Kanno can do. Which raises the question, should I create Kanno as a played character. I am kind of reluctant to run two characters, so for the moment, I am just going to fudge it. I will track Kanno's actions so I can if necessary, create her as a PC.
[[1]] Divination (Shadow) [Weak Hit: 4 + 3 + 0 = 7 vs 2 | 7] -2 Momentum [8]. +1 Gather/Compel/Forge. Going to see what the Oracle has to say here.
Oracle. Action: Raid. Theme: Rumour. So it's confirmed he was one of Torgan's men. Mark Progress [1]. Plot Twist: Someone returns unexpectedly.
Oracle: Is it the Landvaettir? Possible. (17) No. Is it Evileye? Possible (82) Yes.
[[2]] Scry (+1 divination) [Weak Hit: 3 + 2 + 1 = 6 vs 7 | 5] Endure 2 Stress. Taken by Becca [3]
Endure Stress (Heart) [Weak Hit: 1 + 2 + 0 = 3 vs 3 | 1] Suck it up.
Gather Information (Shadow) [Strong Hit: 5 + 2 + 0 = 7 vs 5 | 1] Learn something helpful or specific. +2 Momentum [10]
Oracle: Action: Strengthen. Theme: Spirit. Ok, I'm going to interpret this as the Landvaettir (forest spirits) are struggling to contain the Bonewalkers. They need assistance (strengthen). Mark 1 Progress [2].
Make Camp [Weak Hit: 4 + 3 + 0 = 7 vs 2 | 7] Relax +1 Spirit [4]
[[3]] Resupply [Weak Hit: 3 + 3 + 0 = 6 vs 9 | 2]. Take nothing, save the momentum.
[[4]] Scry (Shadow) [Weak Hit: 6 + 3 + 0 = 9 vs 2 | 10] -2 Spirit +1 Gather Information (Shadow) Endure Stress (Heart) [Miss: 2 + 2 + 0 = 4 vs 8 | 8] with a match -1 momentum [9]. Match. Becca falls into the water and the Sodden has the initiative.
Gather Information (Shadow) TBC
Clash (Iron) [Strong Hit: 4 + 2 + 0 = 10 vs 1 | 9] Reset momentum [2]. Inflict 2 harm [2]. +1 momentum [3]. Take initiative.
Face Danger (escape) [Miss: 1 + 3 + 0 = 4 vs 5 | 7] Pay the Price.
Clash (Iron) [Strong Hit: 2 + 2 + 0 = 4 vs 1 | 3] Inflict +1 Harm [3] Take initiative.
Strike (Iron) [Strong Hit: 5 + 2 + 0 = 7 vs 5 | 4] Inflict +1 Harm [3] Retain initiative.
End the Fight [Progress Roll: Sodden. (Formidable M1P) Grab and snatch. Drag into the depths. :Strong Hit = 8 vs 2 | 3] Becca kills the Sodden. Mark 2 Progess [8] on Vow.
Forge a Bond (+1 sacrifice) [Strong Hit: 6 + 2 + 0 = 8 vs 4 | 2] +1 Spirit [3].
Gather Information (shadow) [Strong Hit: 3 + 3 + 1 = 7 vs 4 | 5] +2 Momentum [5]
Character Oracle: Name: Nisus. Descriptor: Ironlander, Careless, Critical. Disposition: Curious. Activity: Destroying. Seems apt.

 

[doghead]

Session 09 - Beware What you Wish For

Becca asks if there is more. Kanno asks why Becca wants to know. There is nothing you can do with the knowledge, except carry it around with you like a weight Kanno argues. Becca insisted it is her decision to make, and Kanno relents. [[1]] The information does indeed weigh heavily. Nisus was from Holdenshire, and her death was, relatively, recent. Becca does not understand why no one at Hengistburn knew of it.

Eventually it is Kanno who draws a line in the sand, and insists that they have more pressing matters to attend to. First up, find Poke and return him home. [[2]] Becca takes to the air on Evileye, blowing her horn and shouting Poke's name. It does not take long to find the boy. He is huddled on the shore of a smalll island, staring out over the water. He barely acknowledges Becca's arrival. He does not resist Becca when she lifts him onto Evileye. It is clear that while physically whole, his spirit has been deeply wounded.

The rest of the day is spent travelling back through the Weirwood to the circle camp, where Poke is gathered up and taken into Ariel's care, and then on to Hengistburn. Once back at the circle, Poke is returned to his family. Beech takes the opportunity to seek out Rorus, the smith, to see what value the axehead holds. [[3]] Its is quality work, and can be restored, although Rocus is reluctant to so noting its origins. Becca offers to pay, which upsets Rocus who insists on then doing it for free, in gratitude for Becca saving Poke. The next morning, when Becca returns to the smithy, the weapon is finished. Visible, now the rust has been removed, is the mark of a boar on each side of the blade.

Later that evening the Holdens put on a small feast for the circle to celebrate Poke's return. But it is a subdued affair. Over the course of dinner Becca, as is expected, shares her story of the last few days. She also uses the opportunity to find out more about the Earl of Whiteridge. The information she learns is contradictory and only serves to raise more questions that tumble around in Becca's head for much of the night. [[4]]

Early the next day Becca seeks out Kanno and proposes that they depart. "Today is as good as any to seek the remains of a man who has been dead for decades." Kanno, having no reason not too, agrees. After gathering some supplies, and saying goodbye to her mother who insists on tending to Becca's wounds [[5]]. As her mother prepares a poultice Becca takes the opportunity to quiz her mother about the Landvaettir. Becca learns little that she had not already learned from her mother's stories over the years. She has been teaching me all the time. Before they part ways, Becca gives her mother a wordless hug.

Becca and Kanno head back the way they came the day before. By late morning they reach the edge of the Wierwood. "So, back to the Landvaettir camp?"asks Becca, knowing the answer already. Kanno nods. Becca sighs. [[6]] They set off. Evileye waits until they are almost gone from site before taking to air. The going seems slow, and the day is hot. But they are making progress. Becca estimates maybe another hour or so, when she realises that Evileye is no longer accompanying them. "Well, it seems that the Landvaettir know we are here. And they still have no love for wyverns." Becca and Kanno push on, reaching the Landvaettir camp as the sun begins its descent. [[7]]

The camp is much as they left it, with one exception. Three Landvaettir stand in the centre. Two hold spears, the third a short wooden stick.

"You should not have returned. We let you go in peace. You had the lost child. As you will not learn, we will teach you." With that the speaker raises the wooden stick to his mouth and begins to play a haunting tune.

Spoiler: OOC

[[1]] Oracle: Was Nisus from Holdenshire? Unlikely (10) Yes.
Oracle: Did Nisus die within the last decade? (Unlikely) Yes.
[[2]] Gather Information [Miss: 6 + 3 + 0 = 9 vs 10 | 10] Miss with a match. Something has happened to Poke.
Oracle: Is he dead? Possible (10). No. OK, so it's a bane.
Oracle: Is he maimed? Possible (30) No. So corrupted. I am also going to say Becca cannot progress this Vow any further, she has to make the Fulfil Your Vow move at [8] Progress.
Fulfil Your Vow [Progress Roll: Assist the circle to bring Poke Home (M2P) :Strong Hit = 8 vs 2 | 3] Your quest is complete. Mark XP (Dangerous 2XP) [2]
Upgrade Berserker Asset. -2 XP [0]
[[3]] Oracle: Can the axe head be restored? Possible (77) Yes. Cool. Mechanically, it will make no difference, but maybe down the track, it seems like a fine candidate for the Blade Bound Asset.
[[4]] Gather Information (+1 bond) [Miss: 5 + 3 + 1 = 9 vs 10 | 9] I am going to give Becca an auto strong hit for the Sojourn move here. +2 Supply [5], +2 Spirit [5]. It is her home circle. She gets to sleep in her own bed, but less soundly than expected due to the questions tumbling around in her head. Endure Stress -1 Spirit [4].
Oracle: Is Kanno willing to divulge the reason she is in Holdenshire? Possible (85) Yes. I suppose quests to seek dead heroes are not so unusual.
[[5]] Heal (+2 Herbalist) [Strong Hit: 5 + 3 + 2 = 10 vs 8 | 1] +2 Health [5].
Secure Advantage (+1 Berserker) [Weak Hit: 5 + 3 + 1 = 9 vs 7 | 9] +1 momentum [7].
[[6]] I am going to use the undertake journey here. I didn't for their exit from the woods. I figure the Landvaettir were keen to see Becca and company leave. Not so keen to see them back.
Undertake a Journey (Troublesome) [Weak Hit: 6 + 3 + 0 = 9 vs 10 | 3] Reach WP (3 progress) [3], -1 Supply [4].
Undertake a Journey (Troublesome) [Weak Hit: 6 + 3 + 0 = 9 vs 3 | 9] Reach WP (3 progress) [6], -1 Supply [4].
Undertake a Journey (Troublesome) [Miss: 2 + 3 + 0 = 5 vs 6 | 10] Pay the Price. Evileye is driven away by the Landvaettir.
Undertake a Journey (Troublesome) [Weak Hit: 5 + 3 + 0 = 8 vs 5 | 9] Reach WP (3 progress) [9], -1 Supply [3].
[[7]] End Journey [Progress Roll: Undertake a Journey to Landvaettir camp (Troublesome M3P) :Weak Hit = 9 vs 1 | 9] Reach destination but face a hazard or complication.
Oracle Action: Resist. Theme: Peace.
Not sure how this will work exactly. That seems like a next session problem.