The snow fell with no end in sight. Shouldering his pack, Radulf turned to Otaan saying, "Let's go buddy," and strode out from the shelter of Templemount's gateway into the snow. Otaan followed, the young mammoth easily dragging the laden sled behind it, the many, heavy, sacks of salt laying upon it seemingly insignificant when set against Otaan's great strength.
Radulf is leaving his home - the town of Templemount - and heading on his first solo circuit of its subsidiary settlements as Charun. Ordinarily, this wouldn't amount to a journey in Ironsworn - perhaps a Face Danger? - as it is a highly patrolled, safe area, but given the onset of winter and its early snow, I'm making it a Troublesome journey; so first roll:
Make a Journey +Wits: 4 +3 vs 5 & 4 - strong hit => Choose 'move at speed'; mark progress to 3/10, +1 momentum, now +3, -1 supply, now 4
Despite today being the first day of winter, the snow had been falling steadily for the last two days and to reach the Portwater Ferry before dusk, Radulf kept up a steady ground eating pace, never doubting that his faithful Otaan would be able to continue long after Radulf collapsed from exhaustion.
Radulf's long strides made rapid progress on their journey. A tall, heavily built, fair-skinned man, his cropped red hair was hidden by the hood of the brown bearskin coat he wore - a virtue of his rank in the Church-of-Vanth. The snow quickly melted on his uncovered full beard as it was not cold enough to fasten the flap across his face -yet. His mail hauberk was covered by the coat and the Greathammer that marked him as Charun was atop his backpack, held in place by leather straps, but ready for a quick draw if needs demanded. His other weapons were also in easy reach - a dagger in his fur-lined boot and a sling with a pouch of stones on his belt.
They arrived at the ferry by late afternoon and the ferryman soon had them over to Portwater. Radulf had visited Portwater many times as both novice and initiate, but this was his first visit as Charun - the first time he had journeyed here alone ... and he was nervous, he admitted silently to himself ...
Asset - Devotant (Charun; iron) : ability 1; when you say your daily prayers, you may Secure an Advantage by asking your god to grant a blessing; if you do, roll +your god’s stat. On a hit, take +2 momentum
As if summoned by his introspection, Otaan chose that moment to nudge Radulf's arm demanding his attention. Radulf gently scratched his trunk, not bothering to hide the smile that spread across his face.
This is early foreshadowing of my intent to buy the asset Companion Mammoth (Otaan) with Radulf's first xp
Trying to focus himself on his upcoming duties, Radulf cast his mind back to his prayers of that morning
Secure an Advantage: +Iron: 5 +4 vs 9 & 3 - weak hit => +3 momentum (+1 from wk hit, +2 from Devotant asset) now +6
It must have been his nerves, even then, as they had not been as comforting as normal - probably as the thought of what was coming next would not leave his mind. And that was the formal interview with the High Priestess, Lady Sibila. A full court occasion, Radulf had made his obeisance in front of his friends and comrades and then spoken the formal words of the Charun departing on the winter progression; "I swear by the Iron of my Faith and the Iron of this Holy Sword, that I will give salt to the needy and collect those who make their final journey."
Swear an Iron Vow: +Heart (Bannersworn asset gives re-roll any dice, if needed) : 6 +3 vs 5 & 4 - strong hit => +2 momentum, now +8
So here he, Otaan and a sledge full of salt sacks were on the ferry about to reach Portwater, its ancient-built lighthouse shining out below the snow laden lowering clouds. His duties should present no difficulties in and of themselves however. All he had to do was deliver a salt ration to each of Templemount's four subsidiary settlements - supposedly for emergency use - and collect the urns of the year's dead for interment in the catacombs below Templemount.
Tradition dictated though, that the Council-of-Five in each settlement would call upon the Charun to 'rest' any of the Restless they had 'boxed'. That was nothing to Radulf though - it was one of the duties that he performed many times - doing it alone for the first time was nothing; his faith was iron. No, what bothered him was that he may be called upon to judge disputes between Council-of-Five members. That in the past had led other Charuns to lasting enmities due to their judgments, not to mention problems for the Church ... He prayed silently to Vanth and Charun to guide him should he have to make such decisions.
Before Radulf realised it, they had arrived at Portwater pier and before long, he and Otaan had climbed the hill and were passing through the stone gateway into Portwater itself, Radulf donning the required Mask-of-Charun as he entered the village.
Waiting for him were the Council-of-Five, its leader Mayor Verena standing to the fore of the other members - Erin, Chief-of-Crafts; Taylah, Priestess-of-Vanth; Toran, First-Merchant; Selva, Warden-Captain.
It had been my intent to roll on the Settlement Trouble oracle as Radulf reached each settlement on his progression, but I've decided what will happen here at Portwater ...
"Charun," Verena intoned stepping forward and bowing her head.
"Mayor," Radulf returned the gesture respectfully and then bowed similarly to each of the other Council-of-Five members.
His first duty was, as faith demanded, to rest the Restless. A small crop this season - only four - and the boxes produced, the duty was soon done and then the salt was given. Being a coastal village and therefore constantly covered by salt-laden air, Portwater's ration was a symbolic pair of filled sacks which were taken by the waiting villagers to the central store.