So, my first Starforged 'Exploration Move' will be 'Set a Course' as Brunvoldt is travelling to Highfall which is a known route
Set a Course: +Supply; 3 +5 vs. 4 & 3 => strong hit => arrive, +1 mom' now +7
It took Brunvoldt most of the day to reach Highfall and he got there without incident, the patrols of the Faithful doing their job admirably. After greeting the people of the hamlet, he unpacked and stabled his bison, then met with Priestess Amara in the Temple-of-Vanth.
On his previous visit, when he had been Radulf the Charun, Brunvoldt had not got to know Amara. He had spent most of his time at the hamlet looking for the boy Sven and his father Gunter. But given his new role in the Faith and that he would be dealing with the Priestesses more, this time he spent the evening with Amara getting to know her, intending to talk with Sven in the morning.
Descriptors & Goal for Amara: Frank, Armed, Experienced; 'Be loved by all'
Make a Connection: +Heart; 4 +3 vs. 5 & 4 => strong hit => troublesome connection
Amara, a plain looking, middle aged woman had been a warden until she took an arrow in the knee. It hadn't healed properly and even now, years later, she had to wear a metal brace on that leg. Obviously the injury meant she had to change careers and she had taken up her first love as a profession - religion - and joined the Church of Vanth, eventually becoming the Priestess here in Highfall. They talked long into the night, becoming both slightly drunk and friends.
The next morning, Brunvoldt called upon Turid, Sven's mother and spoke to her about the apprenticeship at the Templemount Temple-Armoury. Although she did not want one her of sons that far from her, it would be a great opportunity for her Sven. Life would be easier for someone in a town with a disability like Sven's - even if it was only that he could buy food and not have to grow it himself - and she gave her permission for Brunvoldt to talk to Sven. The talk with the boy went well and it was agreed that he would go with the next patrol or trader travelling from Highfall to Templemount. Brunvoldt used his new position's authority to draw up the papers Sven would need and he remembered to send a rook to Maghilde as he had promised her.
Arranging this opportunity for Sven will be appreciated by the folk of Highfall and by Temple-Armourer Maghilde, so
Develop Your Relationship: with Highfall, mark progress per rank => troublesome, prog. 6/10
Develop Your Relationship: with Maghilde, mark progress per rank => troublesome, prog. 3/10
His business in Highfall concluded, Brunvoldt set out for Firstmeet, pleased with his decision to visit Highfall - it had been well worth it.
Set a Course: +Supply; 3 +5 vs. 3 & 1 => strong hit => arrive, +1 mom' now +8
Another uneventful journey was enjoyed by Brunvoldt, this time for two days - one to Halfway, and the second onto Firstmeet.
So, what was the problem that Gunnhildr wouldn't mention in her rook-message to Lady Sibila? (see Brunvoldt 01 - Beginnings) I have no idea, so let's use the oracles; rolling on revealed character aspect, I get 'dying'; interesting. The oracle tells me it's not Gunnhildr herself, but it is Mayor Finnr. Looking at the character goal table, I pick 'find redemption' as what he wants to achieve before he dies ...
Entering Firstmeet, Brunvoldt was surprised at the sombre, downcast atmosphere that permeated the village. Granted, he had only been here before during the winter, but even then the place had seemed to be more ... alive. Puzzled, he had his bison unpacked and stabled and went to see Gunnhildr, Priestess-of-Vanth here. She was in the temple, cleaning the altar room with her acolyte, Naila.
"Brunvoldt!" exclaimed Gunnhildr, we had expected you yesterday!"
"I know," he replied. "I took a diversion to Highfall for some other business, I hope it didn't inconvenience you at all?"
"No more than you always do," Gunnhildr replied laughing. She turned to Naila, "Naila prepare some tea for us and bring it to my office. I need to talk to our new 'Sentinel'," and they withdrew to her office, Brunvoldt depositing his travelling gear in the guestroom on the way.
As they waited for the tea, Brunvoldt and Gunnhildr caught up on gossip - he had not visited for nearly a year and there was much to catch up on. After Naila had brought the tea and withdrawn, Gunnhildr poured cups for both of them and they settled down to more serious matters.
"So Gunnhildr, what is the problem that you couldn't mention in a rook-message?" asked Brunvoldt.
"Mayor Finnr is unwell," replied Gunnhildr looking uncomfortable at having to discuss another's private business - it was against her nature. She paused, and then continued, "In fact he is dying. Shashkya the apothecary came to see him from Highfall, and she determined that he has a cancer and nothing can be done for him."
"That is sad news indeed," Brunvoldt sympathised, "but it is the natural order of things - Lady Vanth will come to guide us all when our time comes."
"I know that, and I look forward to seeing Her, when my own times comes!" she snapped, her occasionally waspish tendency breaking through. She drew breath, collecting herself, "I apologise Brunvoldt, Vanth only knows I try to rein in my temper. Anyway, the point is not that Finnr is dying, it is that he has decided that he must unburden himself before he dies. It's not even that - we all should begin our Final Journey with our soul unburdened. It is that he has determined that he must publicly confess."
Brunvoldt could see the problem. Finnr was well-liked, having run the village well and fairly for several years. A revelation of prior misdeeds would hit the people here hard, especially so if they were serious.
"What is it that he wants to confess?" asked Brunvoldt.
"That he must tell you himself," answered Gunnhildr. "He may yet decide not to share and I will not talk of something that a man may yet take to his grave."
"And you want help persuading him to do so?" Brunvoldt suggested.
"Exactly," replied Gunnhildr, "Public confession or not, will not help the people who suffered and old wounds benefit no-one from being prodded."
"Then I will talk to him in the morning - assuming I do not need to do so now?" Brunvoldt realised that he did not know how long Finnr had.
Gunnhildr stood, "No, he is not that close to his Final Journey yet, although it is close - days perhaps. I will go and make the arrangements. Naila will see to food and you can retire."
So Brunvoldt went to the kitchen, and after eating retired to the guestroom.
Agreeing to help Gunnhildr with this difficult issue, allows Brunvoldt to
Develop Your Relationship: with Gunnhildr, mark progress per rank => troublesome, prog. 6/10
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