colinmnash's gaming blog

Sunday, 10 July 2022

Brunvoldt 19 - Firstmeet

I'm downgrading the vow "I will determine the fate of Priestess Gunnhildr and her escort" from formidable to dangerous as I can't see how to fit 8 more milestones into the narrative; so, the current 2/10 progress becomes 4/10

Firstmeet area

"Have we gained any time on them?" Brunvoldt asked Dag as they set out again, the tracker leading as usual.
"Definitely," Dag replied. "They spent at least a day at that camp. I reckon we're not more than a day behind them now."
"That's good news," Brunvoldt repsonded, "Praise Holy Vanth."

The trail continued north into the hills west of Firstmeet. Distantly, to their east, they could make out the fields of Firstmeet, but it was too far to see if anyone was in those fields.

Night would arrive fairly soon, and rather than camp in the wilds and risk an unprotected encounter with the Restless, Brunvoldt decided they would make for Firstmeet and the safety of its walls. Also, once there, they could report what they'd discovered and learn if there had been other incursions by Varou. So they turned east toward Firstmeet which they reached as dusk fell without incident.

Ask the Oracle: Have the Varou attacked elsewhere? 50/50 <= 50 yes, roll 46

As they entered Firstmeet, they were met by Mayor Torgia - she had officially become the Mayor since Mayor Finnr had taken his Final Journey*.

* - See Brunvoldt 03 - A Dying Man

"Sentinel," the Mayor said as she approached. "You've not found our Priestess then?" she asked, seeking to confirm what her eyes told her.
"Not Gunnhildr, no," replied Brunvoldt, "We found Aric, though." He did not elaborate and Torgia understood what that meant.
"He was a good man - he will be missed," she said in a sad voice. "A caravan was attacked on the road here from Halfway earlier," she said. "The escort beat them off, but not without loss." She was leading Brunvoldt toward the stables where a bustle of men and animals were.
"Dag, find yourself a bed and get some rest," he said to the tracker. "We'll be off again early in the morning."
"Thank-you Sentinel," Dag replied, "I'll see to Scar and do just that." Taking the bison, he left Brunvoldt with Torgia.

One of the men in the group by the stables, dressed in the war-gear and mask of a Charun, seperated from them and approached Brunvoldt and Torgia.

"Sentinel," he said bowing to Brunvoldt, who half-bowed in return. "Mayor," he said to Torgia nodding to her. "We lost two men - a carter and a Warden. We managed to recover the bodies and they are in the temple being prepared. I'm not sure how many Varou we got - I saw at least two go down, but we could not stay," he reported to them.
"You did well Charun," praised Brunvoldt. "Getting through was the priority."
"Thank-you Sentinel," replied the Charun, "That is what I believed and I'm glad to hear that you agree."
"I'll make sure that the people of the caravan's needs are seen to," said Torgia, taking her leave.
"Thank-you," called the Charun to her as walked away. "I would like to pray - would you join me?" he asked Brunvoldt.
"I'd be delighted," said Brunvoldt and they walked to the temple.

Once they had prayed and given heartfelt thanks to Holy Vanth-the-Guide, they retired to Gunnhildr's office and turned to discussing the situation. Brunvoldt had grown up with the man who was currently Charun here - Knud - and they shared an easy friendship that dismissed any formality between them when alone.

"We agree that the Varou are almost certainly working up to an attack on Firstmeet?" asked Knud.
"That does seem to be the best scenario for their actions," agreed Brunvoldt. "In fact I don't see what else they could be up to."
"If it was just raiding, I don't see why they attacked the Giants," argued Knud. "They could've bypassed them and not taken the losses they must have done taking them on."
"Very true," agreed Brunvoldt once more. "So the question is, when? As we know, they are an impatient, impulsive, race, so definitely sooner rather than later. I'd guess the next couple of days."
"I agree," Knud stated. "Of course, my men and I will stay here to help the Captain-Warden with the defence and I'll send a rook to Templemount for further aid."
"There is nothing I'd like more than to fight at your side my friend," began Brunvoldt, "but I am Tasked to find our sister, Gunnhildr, or at the least what has become of her, which I'm sorry to say is more likely," he finished sadly.
"After all this time?" asked Knud rhetorically. "I don't believe that there is any chance of finding her alive now."

Reach a Milestone: "I will determine the fate of Priestess Gunnhildr and her escort", progress now 6/10
Make a Connection: +Heart; 6 +3 vs. 8 & 6 => strong hit => Knud, 'troublesome', Charun
Descriptors & Goal for Knud: Flexible, Honourable, Friendly; 'Gain fame and glory'

On that sad, but realistic note, the friends went for their evening meal and afterward Brunvoldt retired, while Knud went to his guard duty.

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Friday, 8 July 2022

Brunvoldt 18 - Following Tracks

The following morning Brunvoldt, Adalbjorg, Chandra and Dagmar (a servant/cart-driver) left Templemount. Dagmar drove the two wheel, four bison cart on which Adalbjorg and Chandra sat. Brunvoldt rode Scar with Magnus running alongside - both of whom seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the chance to run.

Normally a journey to Halfway-House from Templemount would not need a roll as it's a heavily patrolled safe route. However, as the Varou are infiltrating the region, this time I'm going to
Set a Course: +Supply +1 Scar (Rover); 3 +5 +1 vs. 10 & 7 => weak hit => arrive, -2 momentum now +8

They reached Halfway without incident, although it took longer than Brunvoldt would have liked. The bison pulling the cart had been mismatched and Dagmar had to stop, sort out the pairings and rehitch them, all of which took time that Brunvoldt resented losing. Gunnhildr had been missing for days, but that didn't mean that they could waste time without consequence.

At Halfway-House they found Dag waiting for them. He seemed eager to set off and was even more so when Brunvoldt explained to him the changed mission that they had been charged with. Brunvoldt sent Dag out to see if any of the tracks of the Hyena pack that had been chased off were still visible. Then he detailed Adalbjorg and Dagmar to stay at Halfway while he, Chandra and Dag went to find any trace of the missing people. They would carry a pair of the Halfway rooks to communicate speedily if needed.

As Dag searched, the others redistributed their supplies, loading Scar as a pack-bison. That done, Brundvoldt, Chandra, Scar and Magnus left Halfway to join Dag, who they found jogging towards them.

"My lord," Dag began, but Brunvoldt interrupted him.
"Just a minute Dag," he said, "While our lives are on the line together, I'll have none of this 'lord' nonsense. Call me Brunvoldt, or Sentinel - that goes for you too Chandra. I'm no more of a noble than either of you two." Chandra and Dag shared a glance, but Brunvoldt couldn't fathom its meaning.
"As you wish," Dag resumed, "The Hyena left a trail that I can still follow even now. You must have scared them mightily as they paid no heed to what was in their way, just bulling their through everything in their way."
"Then we'll follow it and pray to Vanth-the-Guide for Her blessing on our task," said Brunvoldt as they set off.

Brunvoldt was unsure if following the Hyena pack was the right choice. Logically, any Varou in this area - where they had not previously been - would all be connected. But that made the assumption that Varou were behind Gunnhildr's disappearance - something that had not yet been established. Still, at least to begin with, the Hyenas were paralleling the road to Firstmeet, so they might come across some evidence of what had happened to Gunhildr and her Wardens. Frightened as the animals had been, both Dag and Brunvoldt believed that they would have returned the way they had come. Hopefully the trail and place of disappearance would coincide.

Undertake an Expedition: 'Follow the Hyenas' trail' troublesome; vigilantly +Wits +1 Scar (Rover); 3 +3 +1 vs. 10 & 3 => weak hit => waypoint, -2 momentum now +6, progress now 3/10

They followed the tracks and while they still paralleled the road, Dag followed in the woods while Brunvoldt, Chandra and the animals were on the road. Before they had gone too far though, Dag came running out of the woods pursued by something crashing through the trees behind him. "Boar!" shouted the tracker. Brunvoldt and Chandra readied themselves, but the boar did not appear, seemingly content with having chased Dag the interloper off of its territory.

They had to wait quite a while for the boar to return to its lair before Dag could resume following the trail. 'Another delay' Brunvoldt thought darkly - but there was nothing else to be done.

Undertake an Expedition: 'Follow the Hyenas' trail' troublesome; vigilantly +Wits +1 Scar (Rover); 5 +3 +1 vs. 1 & 1 => strong hit w. opportunity => waypoint, progress now 6/10
For the opportunity, Ask the Oracle: descriptor + focus => 39 & 68 => Exposed Remains
Also, I'm going to Make a Connection: with Dag, tracker 'troublesome', progress 0/10

Firstmeet area

They had almost reached the point where the woods stopped and the fields of Firstmeet began - they could see the fields just through the trees ahead - when Dag called out, "Sentinel! Over here!" Brunvoldt and the others hurried into the woods to Dag's location.

Dag was standing by the remains of a pair of bison. From the harnesses and tack that were scattered over the area, it was apparent that they had been Gunnhildr's pack animals. They had been consumed where they lay - something that had obviously happened days ago. "Looks like the Hyenas started to eat them while they were atill alive ... I hate those animals ..." Dag said. Brunvoldt turned to Chandra.

Reach a Milestone: "I will determine the fate of Priestess Gunnhildr and her escort", progress now 1/10

"Go to Firstmeet," he instructed. "Tell them the Varou have abducted Gunnhildr and that she and the Wardens are likely dead by now and send rooks to Halfway and Templemount telling them this. If you see no further Varou-sign and believe you can, then join Adalbjorg at Halfway and wait there for further news from us." Chandra nodded and set off at a jog towards Firstmeet.

"Anything else you can find?" Brunvoldt asked Dag.

Gather Information: +Wits +1 connection Dag; 6 +3 +1 vs. 7 & 5 => strong hit => discovery, +2 momentum now +8

After a few moments spent looking around, Dag picked something up - part of a human skull. "Yes, Brunvoldt," he said, willing to use Brunvoldt's name now they were alone. "At least one of them didn't survive the abduction. By the skin on this, it must have been one of the Wardens - I've seen Gunnhildr and her skin is much lighter than this." He held up his gruesome discovery for Brunvoldt to see.

Dag was correct. The skull must have belonged to Aric - one of Gunnhildr's Wardens, a 'large, dark-skinned man' was part of how he'd been described to Brunvoldt. Looking around, Brunvoldt found other parts of the skull. Gathering them, he put them together on the ground, knelt and pressed the blade of his sword against them. The he spoke the prayer, "Take your Final Journey and go to your rest. May Holy Vanth be your Guide onwards." He couldn't allow the Rising of Aric and the prayer, together with his Holy Sword, would prevent that.

Standing, he asked Dag, "Still a trail you can follow?"
"Yes," the tracker replied,"They went that way," and pointing westward along the treeline, led the way, bow at the ready. Brunvoldt followed, Magnus at his side, leading Scar, sword in hand.

Undertake an Expedition: 'Follow the Hyenas' trail' troublesome; vigilantly +Wits +1 Scar (Rover) +1 connection Dag; 2 +3 +1 +1 vs. 8 & 3 => weak hit => waypoint, -2 momentum now +6, progress now 9/10
Finish an Expedition: 'Follow the Hyenas' trail' troublesome; progress 9 vs. 8 & 5 => strong hit = > 1 tick on Discoveries legacy track
Reach a Milestone: "I will determine the fate of Priestess Gunnhildr and her escort", progress now 2/10

They found the end of the Hyenas' trail after another hour or so. This was obviously where the Varou had been encamped, but they were there no longer. "What can you tell?" Brunvoldt asked Dag.

Gather Information: +Wits +1 Connection Dag; 1 +3 +1 vs. 5 & 3 => weak hit => complication, +1 momentum now +7

"Well ..." began Dag, reading what he could. "It looks like the Varou split. Most went that way toward the west. But a small group went north into the hills that lie to the west of Firstmeet." He bent over looking closely at some tracks, then took a few steps following them. "Yes, see here," he pointed, "There are bootprints - two sets that go with the smaller group."

"Then that is who we follow," stated Brunvoldt.

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Thursday, 7 July 2022

Brunvoldt 17 - Gunnhildr?

Brunvoldt spent most of the night helping his colleagues remove and burn the Varou corpses and then washing down the courtyard, cleaning up the results of the fight. After they finished there was time for a couple of hours more sleep, but they left with the dawn, fearing that more Varou might come to avenge their dead. Although he had been directed to find the Varou after situating the masons, he decided it best to return with them to Templemount following the attack.

Fortune was with them, though, for they got back to Templemount by mid-afternoon with no further encounters. Brunvoldt helped with the unloading of the wagons and then went to Lady Sibila's secretary to deliver the Master-Stonemason's report, report the Varou attack and his subsequent decision to return to Templemount. He asked the secretary to inform Lady Sibilia he intended to leave in the morning to find the Varou. Having done that, he went to his quarters. Once there, he drew his sword to discharge his vow and knelt in front of his shrine, speaking the words, "I swear upon the Iron of my Faith and the Iron of this Holy Sword, that I have escorted the stonemasons to Halfway-House and ensured their safety."

Fulfill an Iron Vow: "I will escort the stonemasons to Halfway-House and ensure their safety", progress 9 vs. 7 & 4 => strong hit => troublesome vow 1 tick on quests track

Brunvoldt was pleased to feel the vow's weight removed from him and he murmured, "Holy Vanth concurs," as he rose and sheathed his sword.

After changing his clothing and cleaning up, Brunvoldt went to the Healer's Hall to have his arm treated.

Heal: +Iron; 2 +2 vs. 10 & 1 => weak hit => +3 Health now 5, -2 momentum now +8

Feeling better for the treatment, Brunvoldt headed to the Temple-Stables. He had decided that given all the travelling he had been doing - and was likely to keep doing - that he should become more comfortable riding. His own dislike of it was immaterial and besides, it was surely due to lack of practice at the skill ... surely?

At the stable, he spoke to the Master and they agreed that Scar - the bison Brunvoldt had ridden to Portwater recently - would be designated for Brunvoldt's use only. The arrangement made, Brunvoldt went to see Scar in his stall and was pleased when the animal gave him a friendly butt of recognition - even though it nearly knocked him off his feet.

Advance: 3xp to buy Support Vehicle Rover, reskinned as Scar the Riding Bison

Picking up a brush, Brunvoldt began to brush the bison, trying to create a connection between himself and the massive beast and was gratified to see the animal responding. The wound that gave Scar his name was a long scar across his face caused, so one of the grooms told him, by a cave lion when Scar had been a calf on Firstmeet's fields.

When time for the evening meal came, Brunvoldt fed Scar then left for his own meal. He was pleased to see Maghilde with Sven in the Hall and sat with them as he wanted to discuss a couple of things with Maghilde. First he asked about the torch - would it be possible to put some protective bands around it? Maghilde was sure they could; if he brought the torch to the armoury, they'd be pleased to look at it. Secondly, did they have any armour for a bison? something like they had made for Magnus perhaps? There was no metal armour for bison - they were too contrary to wear it, but maybe they could fashion something from leather? perhaps extend the saddle to cover the vitals and hindquarters? Brunvoldt would bring Scar to the armoury for measurements in the morning.

He was still at the dining table talking with Maghilde, Sven and Gunnvor, who had joined them, when a messenger arrived with a summons for Brunvoldt from the Lady Sibila. Excusing himself, Brunvoldt made his way to the Lady's office where he was shown straight into the Lady's presence.

She was sat behind her desk, fingers steepled in front of her face, as was her habit when contemplating something. "Sit Brunvoldt," she said, "and read the rook-slip on the desk." Brunvoldt sat as instructed and retrieved the slip. He noted that the outside had the colour strip indicating low priority, then he turned it over and read it. It was from Eindride, Gunnhildr's acolyte at Firtsmeet asking when Gunnhildr would be leaving Templemount to return to Firstmeet.

Gunnhildr had left days ago and it was only a two day journey to Firstmeet - she was long overdue. Thinking it over, Brunvoldt reached the obvious conclusion - "You suspect the Varou?" he asked.

"What else?" Lady Sibila asked rhetorically. "Especially after your fight at Halfway-House. You did well there Brunvoldt. Master-Stonemason Herta came to see me and told me what happened - your modesty is all well and good, Sentinel, but I do expect comprehensive reports from you," she reproached him.
"Yes my Lady," replied Brunvoldt, suitably chastened.
"So Brunvoldt," the Lady continued, "You will leave in the morning, but not to find the Varou - although you will probably do so - but to find Priestess Gunnhildr and the two Wardens who were escorting her. What do you need for this?"
"I think a small party would be best my Lady," said Brunvoldt considering. "The tracker, Dag, from Highfall will be waiting at Halfway by now, so I think the Wardens Chandra and Adalbjorg would be sufficient - they impressed me at Halfway."
"Very well, I will have the arrangements made. Go now and Vanth bless you," she said.

Another opportunity for Brunvoldt to
Develop Your Relationship: with Lady Sibila, mark progress per rank => formidable, prog. 4/10

Brunvoldt returned to his quarters and swore a vow, "I swear upon the Iron of my Faith and the Iron of this Holy Sword, that I will determine the fate of Priestess Gunnhildr and her escort."

Swear an Iron Vow: "I will determine the fate of Priestess Gunnhildr and her escort", formidable; Devotant 2nd ability +Wits, +1 connection with Lady Sibila; 4 +3 +1 vs. 6 & 2 => strong hit => +2 momentum from strong hit +2 momentum from Devotant 2nd ability now +10 (max)

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Wednesday, 6 July 2022

Brunvoldt 16 - Holding the Door

Standing by the bolted door, looking out through the gap created by its slightly open pair, Brunvoldt struggled to see what was going on in the small courtyard.

Behind him, he could hear the masons and servants bringing in furniture from other rooms and start stacking them as a makeshift barricade. The longer the Varou delayed the better for Brunvoldt and his companions. Then he saw a flash of movement as a shape dashed across the gap. "They're coming!" hissed Brunvoldt. Movement behind him stopped as everyone froze.

Enter the Fray: obj 'Defeat the Varou' individ. dangerous, group formidable; +Shadow; 4 +1 vs. 7 & 2 => weak hit => take control

Then the door flew open as a Varou appeared, its foot raised having obviously just kicked the door open. Unhesitatingly, Brunvoldt stepped into the space the door had just swept through and chopped at the Varou's leg. It was too quick, though, and managed to fall backwards, pulling its leg out of reach. Brunvoldt ignited his torch and raised it in his left hand. By its light, he saw that there were four Varou, momentarily off-balance as the one Brunvoldt had attacked fell back into the others.

Strike: +Iron +1 Blademaster +1 Combat Bot (Hound) +2 Firebrand; 3 +2 +1 +1 +2 vs. 8 & 4 => strong hit => take control, mark progress twice now 2/10, -1 Fire now 4
Strike: +Iron +1 Blademaster +1 Combat Bot (Hound); 3 +2 +1 +1 vs. 8 & 1 => weak hit => bad spot, mark progress twice now 4/10
Clash: set action die to 5 (Armoured 2nd ability) +Iron +1 Blademaster; 5 +2 +1 vs. 10 & 1 => weak hit => bad spot, mark progress now 5/10, +1 momentum (Combat Bot) now +8, Pay the Price
Endure Harm: serious -2 Health now 3; roll +Health; 3 +3 vs. 3 & 2 => strong hit => shake it off +1 Health now 4

Seizing the opportunity, Brunvoldt leapt forward and sank his sword into the nearest Varou, Magnus leaping forward to bite another simultaneously. But his sword stuck in the Varou's body and he took a chop from an axe onto his extended arm. His reinforced armour saved Brunvoldt from serious arm though. Finally managing to disengage his sword, Brunvoldt spoke the commination he had used in the Chitter nest, and the fire of his torch flared out and burnt the Varou, allowing him to retake his place inside the doorway. Catching his breath, Brunvoldt saw that two of the Varou were down and unmoving. One that he had hit and another with a spear in its chest - he had not even seen the spear strike.

Clash: set action die to 5 (Armoured 2nd ability) +Iron +1 Blademaster; 5 +2 +1 vs. 4 & 1 => strong hit => take control, mark progress twice now 7/10, +1 momentum (Combat Bot) now +9
Strike: +Iron +1 Blademaster +1 Combat Bot (Hound); 3 +2 +1 +1 vs. 5 & 4 => strong hit => in control, mark progress twice now 9/10
Take Decisive Action: progress 9 vs. 7 & 1 => strong hit => prevail, +1 momentum now +10

The remaining two Varou charged Brunvoldt ignoring their fallen fellows. A spear flew past Brunvoldt's head and struck one of the Varou right through the chest. Magnus, ignored by the enemy darted out and chomped down on the last Varou's leg, distracting it which allowed Brunvoldt to remove its head, releasing a fountain of blood from the neck stump.

No enemies left, Brunvoldt stood panting, trying to catch his breath. "See if there's any more boy," he said to Magnus, and the Vagthund took off searhing the courtyard before climbing the stairs upto the wall's top. He put his paws up on the battlements and barked loudly at something he saw. Brunvoldt wearily began to climb the stairs to learn what Magnus had seen. Below, he could hear the others dragging the Varou bodies away.

Standing beside Magnus, he looked over the wall and could see a small Hyena pack restlessly pacing back and forth. What was it that Dag had said to him all those years ago in Highfall? That was it - "they always have their filthy-cur hyenas with them".

Brunvoldt watched them for a while - they did not seem to have any intention of leaving, just continuing to pace back and forth like a cat watching a mousehole. So Brunvoldt walked round to the walltop above the gate, Magnus at his heels. He was joined there by the Wardens who looked out, saw the Hyenas and muttered curses. Raising his torch, Brunvoldt spoke the commination again and the flames leapt out to burn the Hyenas. Two of them burnt in spectacular balls of fire, while the others, scorched by the flames fled into the night.

"Praise Vanth!" said Chandra, while Adalbjorg could only nod.
"Yes indeed, praise Holy Vanth!" echoed Brunvoldt. Leaning his sword against the battlement, he made to snap his fingers to extinguish the torch. It was then that he realised that he had ignited the torch with a thought - he had needed it to be lit and it was, he hadn't snapped his fingers!

Brunvoldt looked at the torch in his hand and willed it to extinguish and it did. "Praise Holy Vanth and Her Divine Power!" he muttered and ignoring the Wardens descended to the courtyard.

Reach a Milestone: troublesome vow "I will escort the stonemasons to Halfway-House and ensure their safety", progress now 9/10

Brunvoldt 15 - Halfway to Varou

Dufthund

The following morning the small party left Templemount in the company of a mounted patrol. The seven in their group were travelling in two four-bison wagons, so they were able to match the pace of the patrol on their bisons. Magnus was running around ranging around the patrol along with the small pack of Dufthund* that was part of the patrol.

* - Dufthund is Danish for scenthound (according to Google); in our world the breed is American Foxhound

It was a beautiful morning holding promises of the summer just arriving and it was pleasant for all to ride in the early sun.

Set a Course: +Supply; 3 +5 vs 10 & 2 => weak hit => 2 -1 suffer moves, -1 momentum now +7, -1 supply now 4

That was until the lead wagon broke a wheel. It would not take long to fix, but the patrol couldn't wait for them - they had a schedule to keep. Once the wheel had been fixed, the two wagons continued, reaching Halfway by mid-afternoon.

Reach a Milestone: troublesome vow "I will escort the stonemasons to Halfway-House and ensure their safety", progress now 3/10

They were soon unpacked and as there was still daylight left, Herta and the apprentices began their work measuring out the foundations of the new wall that they would have to construct. Detailing one of the Wardens as sentry and to keep an eye on the masons, Brunvoldt, the other Warden and the servants began a detailed inventory of the supplies that were there and restocked their own as they did so.

Resupply: +Wits; 4 +3 vs 6 & 5 => strong hit => +2 supply now 5 (max)

As soon as night began to fall, Herta and her apprentices came inside and the gates were closed against the dark. As they ate their evening meal, Herta was pleased to announce that if things progressed tomorrow as well as they had today, they would finish their work by tomorrow's evening, so they could return to Templemount the following morning, a day earlier than planned.

A quiet night passed with Brunvoldt sharing the watches with the Wardens. As he walked the walls, he enjoyed the quiet solitude, finding it refreshing and quite meditative to be so alone and at peace.

Firebrand: gather fire +Spirit; 3 +5 vs. 9 & 6 => weak hit => +2 fire now 5

The next day passed just as quietly. The masons continued their work while Brunvoldt and the Wardens shared the watches over them and the servants finished the inventory of Halfway. At that evening's meal Herta confirmed her prediction - their work was finished and leaving in the morning would be possible.

They packed everything that evening in preparation to leave the following morning and retired to their beds.

Ask the Oracle: Does the Warden on duty detect the infiltrators in time to warn the occupants? She's competent so Likely: <= 75 yes, roll 69

Brunvoldt was woken in the middle of the night by the Warden, Chandra. "Sentinel," she said, "Adalbjorg has seen movement in the treeline, we thought it best to wake you."
Gathering himself, Brunvoldt replied, "You were right. Wake the servants and send them to me, then go to Adalbjorg and stand with him until I arrive."

Chandra left and Brunvoldt began to don his armor. When the servants arrived they helped and sped the process considerably. Once finished, he told the servants to wake the masons and then all of them were to go to the supply room and bar themseleves in. The supply room had been designed to double as a refuge so they would be safe there. Brunvoldt went to the wall to join the Wardens.

Brunvoldt ascended the stairs that led to the walltop and saw the Wardens crouching behind the crenellations and peering out over the wall.

"What do you see?" queried Brunvoldt in a low voice.
"Varou sir," replied Adalbjorg. "Only a couple, I think. They seem to be just watching us - I can't tell whether or not they're going to move against us."
"What do you think we should do?" Brunvoldt asked. Both Wardens looked at him with puzzled expressions - they had assumed Brunvoldt would tell them. Brunvoldt explained, "Look, you've been trained to defend places like this. I've been trained to fight certainly, but not in what's best in this situation, so I'll defer to your competence. Suggestions then?"
The Wardens looked at each other, then Chandra spoke up, "Well sir, we could dissuade them by visibly walking the wall, but then we might have to face them on the road tomorrow and we don't know how many they are." She paused and then as Brunvoldt said nothing, she continued, "Or we could lure them in where we have doorways to control how many we face at a time."

It was obvious that neither of the Wardens would say more. There were, apparently, limits to what they felt they could tell an 'officer' to do.

"Very well," Brunvoldt decided, "We'll try and lure them in - as you say, it would be better for us to fight them where we have some measure of control." He led the Wardens down from the wall to the entrance of the Halfway-House itself. Once there, they bolted one of the pair of doors closed leaving the other slightly ajar. Then he sent both Wardens to gear for war - they were only in patrolling equipment at present. After they were fully geared, Adalbjorg would confirm that all other access points were fully secured, while Chandra told the others what was happening and what was planned. Meanwhile, Brunvoldt would guard the open door.

All these preparations add up to Brunvoldt getting to
Reach a Milestone: troublesome vow "I will escort the stonemasons to Halfway-House and ensure their safety", progress now 6/10
Ask the Oracle: Do the Varou fall for it? They're eager for the meat, so Likely: <= 75 yes, roll 28
Ask the Oracle: Is there a Hand (4 as Varou have only 3 fingers with their thumb) of Varou? Likely: <= 75 yes, roll 46

Adalbjorg returned and confirmed that the other door was barred (with the bar wedged) and that all the windows were shuttered. Shortly after Chandra returned with the masons and servants in tow.

"They want to help," she said simply.
Herta stepped forward, "We will not hide in a hole waiting to die when we can help," she said forcefully.
"Good for you," replied Brunvoldt. "Bring furniture for a barricade. The Varou will no doubt throw the door wide, and that barricade will funnel them if they get through the door." He turned to Chandra and Adalbjorg.
"I will stand by the door. When the Varou open it, I'll step into the doorway and hold them. You back me up and if you can, stab past me with your spears. Beware the light of my torch though. It has been blessed by Holy Vanth and may flare brightly - at times as bright as the sun." The Wardens looked doubtfully at the piece of wood in Brunvoldt's left hand, but - wisely - did not say anything.

Brunvoldt looked at the torch too. It did look entirely underwhelming - perhaps he should have some decoration put on it? 'Not now,' he admonished himself and took up his place by the door.

Monday, 4 July 2022

Brunvoldt 14 - Templemount Still

Brunvoldt reached Lady Sibila's office and was shown directly in. Once more, Lady Sibila was staring out of her window, and again she bade Brunvoldt sit, while continued to ask the view a question only she knew.

She stared for a moment longer and then came to her desk and sat on her chair.

"Sentinel, I summoned you as the Council-of-Masters has decided to enlarge Halfway-House and found a village on the site, and I want you to escort the surveying party."
Brunvoldt decided to do what his heart told him and so spoke as he believed. "No my Lady, you didn't."
"What in Vanth's name are you talking about?!" she replied, anger building, unused as she was to being contradicted.
"Such an engineering project doesn't need an urgent summons," Brunvoldt stated as fact. "Something is nettling you, fracturing your calm, you want to talk it out, but have not found a way to bring it up. Please just tell me my Lady, I would like to help if I can."

Trying to get Lady Sibila to confide in Brunvoldt is a
Compel: +Heart; 3 +3 vs. 4 & 3 => strong hit => success, +1 momentum now +3

Lady Sibila visibly deflated. "You are quite right Brunvoldt. You have changed, haven't you? I remember a young man named Radulf who could never have been so perceptive." She held up her hand to stop the reply that Brunvoldt had started to make.
"It is this question of the Varou near Firstmeet. I allowed Priestess Gunnhildr to persuade me to not send out patrols. It is against my nature to be so ... passive. I want to do something, not wait for these creatures to do it to us first."
"I agree my Lady," Brunvoldt said. "Waiting for the Varou is inviting them to assault the village - we should send at least one patrol out to try and locate them, if not harry them. Attacking their hunters would show them that they are encroaching upon owned terriory."

Another attempt to
Compel: +Heart; 3 +3 vs. 8 & 5 => weak hit => success w. demand/complication, +1 momentum now +4

"Very well, Brunvoldt. We shall send a patrol and you will go with it. But first you do need to go to Halfway-House with the surveyors. Get them situated and started on their task and then go and find the Varou."
"Yes of course my Lady. If I might make a request?" he asked respectfully, glad the Lady had dismissed her anger.
"Ask," commanded Lady Sibila.
"I would like Dag, a tracker from Highfall on the patrol - he is highly competent and would be a great asset," Brunvoldt explained.
"I will send a rook and instruct him to meet you at Halfway," agreed the Lady. "I do not think that you need me to watch over you as swear to your tasks anymore Brunvoldt," she finished with a half-smile. "You have become satisfyingly ... independent. Prepare to leave tomorrow; you may go."

Brunvoldt stood, bowed and left her office.

This revealing exchange allows Brunvoldt to
Develop Your Relationship: with Lady Sibila, mark progress per rank => formidable, prog. 3/10

Brunvoldt felt a sense of quiet satisfaction that the Lady now allowed him to swear his tasks unspervised. He agreed with her - he had changed immeasurably and felt all the better for it. Lost in his self-congratulation, Brunvoldt was surprised to find that he had already reached his quarters. He entered, drew his sword and knelt in front of his personal shrine.

"I swear upon the Iron of my Faith and the Iron of this Holy Sword, that I will escort the stonemasons to Halfway-House and ensure their safety."

Swear an Iron Vow: "I will escort the stonemasons to Halfway-House and ensure their safety", troublesome; Devotant 2nd ability +Wits, +1 connection with Lady Sibila; 4 +3 +1 vs. 2 & 1 => strong hit => +2 momentum from strong hit +2 momentum from Devotant 2nd ability, now +8

His vow sworn, Brunvoldt went to meet the Master-Stonemason.

Name for Master-Stonemason: 4.28 Herta, <=50 female, roll 13; descriptors: Reliable, Humble, Cooperative; goal: 'Build a better life'

He eventually found her - Herta was her name - in the stables ensuring that the wagon needed for the journey was fully stocked and ready.

"Master-Stonemason, I'll be escorting you to Halfway tomorrow. Are you prepared? and how long will we need to be there?"
"Well met Sentinel," she replied. "We are ready, and as for how long, I think maybe two days? I won't be able to tell properly until we arrive and can make an assessment. I'd hate to give an inaccurate estimate."
"Who else is coming?" asked Brunvoldt.
"Two of my apprentices, a pair of Wardens and a couple of servants, so we'll be a small group. To be honest with you, Sentinel, I'm surprised that you're coming, I imagine that there are things more worthy of your notice."
"Other things, perhaps," Brunvoldt replied, "But all are worthy if in the service of Holy Vanth. Our task is just as worthy as any other - do not demean your work so, Master-Stonemason. I have preparations of my own to make so I will see you on the morrow."

He left Herta to her finalising and spent the rest of the day getting himself and Magnus ready. Luckily, Maghilde would ensure that she was finished with their armour by morning.

Brunvoldt 13 - Templemount

Spending xp: per the note in Delve, as I'm playing solo and am completely unconcerned with 'balance' the rarity costs 3xp; also spent 2xp on the 2nd ability of Starforged Armoured asset.

"Holy Vanth concurs," murmured Lady Sibila and Brunvoldt felt the weight of the vow lift from him.
Brunvoldt stood and sheathed his sword. "My Lady," he said as he nodded to her.
"Sentinel," she replied, and the meeting obviously concluded, Brunvoldt departed from her office.

At a loose end, Brunvoldt decided to go and see Temple-Armourer Maghilde. He had promised to report on the performance of Magnus' armour after all.

Maghilde was in her workshop as she always seemed to be, instructing Sven, the boy from Highfall who had agreed to be an apprentice here at the Temple-Armoury. Brunvoldt, in no hurry, observed them as he waited for Maghilde to finish. The boy seemed eager to learn, asking intelligent questions, at one point earning a laughing cuff from Maghilde when he ventured a cheeky question. Before long Maghilde finished, and turning away from Sven, saw Brunvoldt for the first time.

"Sentinel," she said surprised, "I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were there."
"It's not a problem," Brunvoldt replied, "You were busy teaching and it is worth waiting for that. Hello Sven, are you well?"
"I am sir, thankyou," Sven answered, "and you?"
"I am too, Sven. Are you glad that you came to Templemount?"
"Yes sir," Sven said eagerly, "although I do miss my family," he finished with a note of sadness.
"That will pass," Brunvoldt reassured him, "and there will be visits, Vanth willing. Now I must talk to your master for a while, so return to your work." Brunvoldt and Maghilde walked out into the sunlight to converse.

"How is Sven doing?" asked Brunvoldt.
"Excellently, Sentinel," replied Maghilde. "He is everything I could ask for in an apprentice - eager to learn and not frightened to ask questions. I'm so thankful to you for finding him, it's a real pleasure to teach again."
"Good," said Brunvoldt, "Keep me informed on his progress please?" Maghilde nodded and Brunvoldt went on. "I came by to let you know that Magnus' armour has been performing well so far - no problems that I've noticed and he seems to be fine with it, don't you boy?" he ruffled Magnus' ears, gaining Magnus' smile in return.
"If you're staying here for a while, I'd like to inspect it if possible?" asked Maghilde, "I'll send someone to your quarters to collect it."
"I have no plans to leave at present. But I may need it back on short notice," warned Brunvoldt. "One of my greaves needs repairing as well - it got a bit mangled by a Chitter."
"I was going to ask for your armour as well Sentinel," Maghilde responded. "We've got some modifications, well, improvements to make to it and a new helmet for you that we call a Sallet. Overall it should have a significant increase in its ability to protect you."
"That's wonderful Maghilde, and please stop calling me Sentinel and use my name, Brunvoldt. We are friends and friends should use names, shouldn't they?"
"Yes Brunvoldt," Maghilde confirmed with a smile.

Narrative justification for the Armoured 2nd ability and an opportunity to
Develop Your Relationship: with Maghilde, mark progress per rank => troublesome, prog. 6/10

Leaving Maghilde to return to her work, Brunvoldt decided to visit Temple-Houndmaster Gunnvor. They chatted amiably for a while, Gunnvor asking how well Magnus was doing, Brunvoldt replying that the Vagthund was doing everything asked of him - and more, earning him a bone as a reward.

Going to try to
Make a Connection: with Gunnvor; +Heart; 1 +3 vs. 9 & 9 => miss w. match =, burn momentum now 2 => strong hit w. opportunity, troublesome, role kennelmaster
For the opportunity, I'll mark progress on the connection with Gunnvor now 3/10

Brunvoldt left Magnus at the kennels, playing with the other dogs and returned to his quarters. Soon after he arrived servants came and took his and Magnus' armour to the Temple-Armoury.

Deciding to pray, Brunvoldt went to the Shrine-of-the-Faith, the main altar room in the Temple-Citadel. There were other, more private altars in the building, but today Brunvoldt wanted to see people - for some reason he felt the need to connect with others. Once in the Shrine, he sat on a pew near the back, prayed and then just watched people for a while, relaxing and finding peace.

Firebrand: gather fire +Spirit; 3 +5 vs. 7 & 5 => strong hit => +3 fire now 3

The next day Brunvoldt bumped into Maghilde in the dining hall at breakfast and they sat with Gunnvor and Sven ate together, laughing at Sven's impressions of the journeymen armourers.

Finished with breakfast, Brunvoldt took Magnus for a walk in the town of Templemount. It had been years since he simply walked the streets, enjoying the bustling life of the town.

Unfortunately, Brunvoldt has no mechanical need of what is an excellent opportunity for a Sojourn

He was returning up the hill to the Temple-Citadel when Lady Sibila's messenger found him. She wanted to see him immediately, so Brunvoldt lengthened his stride and made his way as quickly as he could to her office.

Sunday, 3 July 2022

Brunvoldt 12 - Back Home

Back in the Temple-of-Vanth, Ser Taylah and Brunvoldt sequestered themselves in her office. Placing the torch upon Ser Taylah's desk, they both contemplated it.

The purpose of the torch's enchantment is to introduce a 'rarity' (see Delve rulebook) for the asset Firebrand. I've not used one in a game before and want to try one of them out but, until I spend the xp required for it there will be no mechanical benefit, only narrative impact

After a few moments of silence, they began to discuss the torch and its properties. An involved conversation followed, touching upon magic, doctrine, divine Power and other equally complicated subjects. In the end, though, they came back to their initial conclusion - send it up the chain of command and ask Lady Sibila to decide its fate. Meanwhile, Brunvoldt would keep the torch and most definitely use it when they re-entered the complex under the Lighthouse.

A rook had been dispatched to Lady Sibila as soon as they had come out of the Lighthouse and now another was sent updating her on the plan to go back in to ensure the Chitters were all gone. Her reply arrived the next morning approving their plan but instructing Brunvoldt to return to Templemount as soon he could after that.

The foray into the stronghold beneath the Lighthouse was uneventful. They learnt that there were more Chitters unmet on the first visit, but they had, as Ser Taylah had predicted, been unable to survive without their Queen, so they only encountered corpses. No other entrance to the complex was found, so they believed that the Broken must have originally created the tunnel that the Chitters used. With it being now blocked, the stronghold was secure and might be safely used by the village - although a lot of cleaning to remove the Chitter-stink would be needed.

Confirming the complex is 'safe' is another
Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will journey to Portwater and investigate the Broken attack through the Lighthouse", progress now 8/10

By the time they returned to the surface it was too late for Brunvoldt to reach Templemount that day, so he set about making preparations to leave the next morning.

Bidding farewell to Ser Taylah, Brunvoldt chose to walk rather than ride Scar as there had been no urgency to Lady Sibila's note - he much preferred to rely on his own feet. The ferry was on the near side of the bay and the rest of his journey back to Templemount was just as trouble-free.

Reaching the Temple-Citadel, Brunvoldt returned Scar to the stables, and checked in with Lady Sibila's secretary who gave him an appointment early the next day.

Ask the Oracle: Have the Varou attacked anywhere? unlikely, <=25 yes, roll 50
Have their preparations been seen? 50/50 <= 50 yes, roll 53
Does Lady Sibila want a patrol dispatched? likely <= 75 yes, roll 91
Does Lady Sibila keep the torch for study? likely <= 75 yes, roll 99

The next day, Brunvoldt arrived for his appointment. Lady Sibila was still with her previous appointment and so he had to wait. Eventually, her door opened and Brunvoldt was surprised to see Gunnhildr, Priestess-of-Vanth for Firstmeet emerged. Standing he embraced Gunnhildr as she approached.

"Gunnhildr! How are you?" Brunvoldt asked.
"Very well, thank-you," replied Gunnhildr. "And you?"

They spoke briefly about the Varou near Firstmeet, the reason Lady Sibila had summoned Gunnhildr to Templemount. There had been no sign of the Varou since they had driven off the Giants, which was a suprise to all. There were no plans to search them out as Gunnhildr felt that if they were encountered then it would increase the likelihood of an attack. Brunvoldt was surprised that Gunnhildr had been able to convince Lady Sibila that this plan was wise, but didn't share that opinion with Gunnhildr. But then, Brunvoldt was summoned to see Lady Sibila and Gunnhildr had to leave and return to Firstmeet.

Entering her office, Brunvoldt found Lady Sibila's back to him. She was staring out of the window that was behind her desk. "Please sit Sentinel," she said and he did, waiting for her to turn her attention upon him.

After a while, Lady Sibila left the window and sat behind her desk. "Tell me what happened at Portwater," she commanded.

So Brunvoldt did, relaying the entire tale, including the wondrous display of Holy Vanth's Power and the strange effects it had imbued into the torch, which he passed to Lady Sibila. When she tried to ignite the torch it would not respond to her. When Brunvoldt tried, it did.

Given the events that led to its creation, Lady Sibila made an Edict-of-the-Faith. She decreed that this torch was a Relic-of-the-Faith and that Holy Vanth had determined that Brunvoldt, Sentinel-of-the-Faith, was its guardian.

Brunvoldt felt honoured to be so entrusted and thanked Lady Sibila for her faith in him. She waved aside his thanks as unnecessary, her edict was merely a statement of the facts - Holy Vanth had chosen Brunvoldt to use the torch and Lady Sibila was not about to contradict Her Divine decision.

"Well you seem to have completed your mission and fulfilled your vow Sentinel," said the Lady. "Complete it now."

Brunvoldt drew his sword, knelt and grasped its blade in his right hand. "I swear upon the Iron of my Faith and the Iron of this Holy Sword, that I have journeyed to Portwater and investigated the Broken attack through the Lighthouse."

Fulfill Your Vow: "I will journey to Portwater and investigate the Broken attack through the Lighthouse" - progress 8 vs. 7 & 5 => strong hit => formidable vow 1 box on quest track, Devotant 2nd ability add 2 ticks to bonds track

Saturday, 2 July 2022

Brunvoldt 11 - Lit but not Burning

It took Brunvoldt and Ser Taylah a while to recover from the religious experience that they had undergone. When they had, they slowly regained their feet and looked around them.

As far as they could tell, the Chitters had either tunnelled into the complex or, perhaps, used a tunnel that the Broken had made. This had forced the Broken out to Portwater, whose stout defence had then turned the Broken back onto the Chitters. The Broken had been exterminated by the Chitters, allowing Brunvoldt, Ser Taylah and Magnus, to then arrive and kill the weakened Chitters.

Escape the Depths: retrace steps +Wits; 3 +3 vs. 8 & 6 => miss = > reveal a danger

As they retraced their steps across the cavern, they heard the sound of more Chitters on the stairs heading towards them - they had been sadly mistaken thinking that the fighting had finished.

This group of Chitters rates as dangerous, again there are multiple foes, but Brunvoldt still has the help of Ser Taylah
Enter the Fray: objective: kill the Chitters, rank dangerous, facing off, +Heart; 1 +3 vs. 7 & 3 => weak hit => in control; progress 0/10
Strike: +Iron, +1 Blademaster +1 Combat Bot; 6 +2 +1 +1 vs. 4 & 1 => strong hit => in control, mark progress twice now 4/10
Strike: +Iron, +1 Blademaster +1 Combat Bot; 4 +2 +1 +1 vs. 8 & 1 => weak hit => bad spot, mark progress twice now 8/10

The Chitters clattered down the stairs and rushed towards them. As before, Ser Taylah cut the one that attacked her down swiftly while Brunvoldt was a bit slower in dispatching his, but he ddid manage it. As the Chitter he faced fell to the floor, Brunvoldt looked over at Ser Taylah to see that she had already killed a second and was advancing upon a third. Not that he was counting, of course. Magnus had dispatched another, but Brunvoldt could not count how many remained, they had started leaping like gigantic grasshoppers!

Clash: +Iron, +1 Blademaster; Armoured set action die to 4 +2 +1 +1 vs. 6 & 5 => strong hit => in control, mark progress twice now 10/10, +1 momentum from Combat Bot now +10 (max)
Take Decisive Action: progress 10 vs. 9 & 7 => strong hit => prevail, +1 momentum still +10 (max)

The stream of Chitters returning from around the complex to avenge their Queen eventually came to an end. Brunvoldt, Ser Taylah and Magnus were all panting with exhaustion and bespattered with Chitter ichor. Looking up, the gaze of the two humans met and both began laughing with relief and the sight of all the goo dripping off them.

When they regained control they came together and embraced in the sheer joy of being alive. Then they turned and made their way back to the Lighthouse.

If this had been a Starforged expedition, there would've been ticks to the Discoveries legacy track - a whole box as it was formidable. As I've run it as a Delve, I'm going to give Brunvoldt ticks equal to one step down, that is 2 ticks. This fills a box and gives 2xp

They reached the Lightouse's cellar and nearing the barricade, called out to the Wardens as they approached - not wanting to be shot at by a nervous sentry. They could see daylight filtering through from behind the barricade as the Wardens deconstructed it so they could get out. Brunvoldt extinguished the torch with a snap of his fingers and was amazed to see that the torch was unburnt. All of the wood that had been there when he had first ignited it remained although the cloth that had wrapped it was gone.

"Ser Taylah, look at this," said Brunvoldt, holding the torch before her.
"Oh my," she said, "Holy Vanth's Power must have preserved it!"she exclaimed. "Try igniting it again," Ser Taylah requested.

Brunvoldt snapped his fingers and the torch began to burn again. Waving his hand over it, Brunvoldt could feel the heat coming off the torch and taking a scrap of cloth from the ground, he put it in the flame and it burned as they expected. He snapped his fingers once more and the torch extinguished, touching it Brunvoldt felt none of the heat he'd expected - he was able to keep his fingers where the flame had been with no discomfort. Both Brunvoldt and Ser Taylah were staring at the torch when a voice behind them called, "Are you coming out or what?" It was a Warden looking through the gap he had created for them.

Shaken from their contemplation of the torch, they clambered out of the Lighthouse and into the daylight.

"Holy Vanth! You absolutely stink! Get away!" exclaimed Captain-Warden Selva, who had been waiting for them.
"I imagine we do," said Ser Taylah laconically. "There were quite a few Chitters in there, but they are dead now. I'd advise leaving the barricade up for a day, just to let any other surviving Chitters die. We killed their Queen, so they will die off quickly."
"Chitters!" exclaimed Selva. "Well praise Vanth that you dealt with them, but please now, go and get cleaned up and then we can talk further."

Heartily agreeing that they needed to clean up, the three went to the Temple-of-Vanth to do just that.

These are coming quickly, but deservedly:
Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will journey to Portwater and investigate the Broken attack through the Lighthouse", progress now 7/10
Heal: +Iron; 5 +2 vs. 5 & 4 => strong hit => +2 Health now 5 (max)

An hour or so later, Brunvoldt and Ser Taylah met with the Council of Five in their hut. The odour of the Chitters still faintly clung to them and it had so soaked into Magnus' fur that the Vagthund had remained at the temple being scrubbed by Ser Taylah's acolyte.

They relayed what they had seen and done in the complex beneath the Lighthouse to the Council. As they had found no other entrance, it was possible that the Chitters had used the Broken's entry point to get into it and if so, now that it was blocked, the village could be able to use the complex as a redoubt, if necessary. But that was for the Council to decide at some point in the future. Fo now it was agreed to keep the barricade in place for two more days to ensure that nothing would get out and then Captain-Warden Selva would lead the Wardens in to search.

Both Brunvoldt and Ser Taylah volunteered to go in with Selva, and she was visibly relieved when they did. Brunvoldt and Ser Taylah then excused themselves and returned to the temple. Ostensibly to catch up on their sleep, but really to examine the torch and determine what they should do with, and about, it - if anything...

Brunvoldt 10 - The Queen

With a great deal of trepidation, the small group descended the long sweeping stairs that led down into the cavern. There was evidence of more fighting upon the stairs - bodies of Broken and Chitters were passed multiple times. They gradually began to be able to make out the noises of Chitters from the darkness ahead. There were obviously Chitters on the floor of the cavern, but they weren't coming to attack the group. They wondered why, sharing a glance, but knew that they would soon find out.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, they advanced cautiously out into the cavern towards the noise of the Chitters.

"Brunvoldt, we need to see what we face," said Ser Taylah quietly.
"You're right," he answered, and uttering a quiet chant, held his torch slightly higher and the torchlight burned brighter and brighter until they could see the entire cavern.

I considered spending a point of Fire on this but decided that as it's a narrative benefit and not mechanical I won't

They could see on the far side of the cavern, a good hundred paces away, there was a huge Chitter - the size of a prone Mammoth. Around it were half-a-dozen Chitters - some obviously wounded - a couple of whom were crawling over the big one apparently trying to heal its wounds. The other Chitters were arranged between the humans and the ... was it their queen? Whatever it was, the non-healing Chitters were obviously preparing to protect it from the human interlopers.

All over the floor was evidence of a titanic battle between the Broken and the Chitters. What seemed to be Chitter eggs lay smashed near the Queen, with Broken bodies amongst them. It seemed that the Broken had attacked the Chitters with all their strength, but it had not been enough. It nearly had been - the wounds on the 'queen' showed that - but they had failed, and been wiped out.

"We should seize this opportunity and destroy it before it recovers," said Ser Taylah with iron resolve.
"Yes," replied Brunvoldt, "We should!"

An individual Chitter is ranked as dangerous; so this group plus their queen should, perhaps, be extreme. Reducing that to formidable is the help of Ser Taylah, an extremely good swordswoman
Enter the Fray: objective: kill the Chitter Queen, rank formidable, facing off, +Heart; 4 +3 vs. 5 & 4 => strong hit => +2 momentum now +8, in control; progress 0/10
Strike: +Iron, +1 Blademaster +1 Combat Bot; 1 +2 +1 +1 vs. 3 & 2 => strong hit => in control, mark progress twice now 2/10
Strike: +Iron, +1 Blademaster +1 Combat Bot; 2 +2 +1 +1 vs. 5 & 3 => strong hit => in control, mark progress twice now 4/10
Discovering the 'queen' and beginning the attack upon it is
Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will journey to Portwater and investigate the Broken attack through the Lighthouse", progress now 5/10

They advanced upon the Chitter Queen, who twittered loudly in a very high pitch and all the other Chitters skittered towards the humans. Magnus showed his defiance by barking at the insects, but they ignored the Vagthund. The initial advance of the six-legged beasts was singularly unimpressive - the first two to reach the humans and their swords were immediately cut down while Magnus seized a third at the joint between its head and neck and using his great strength began to thrash it violently.

Strike: +Iron, +1 Blademaster +1 Combat Bot; 5 +2 +1 +1 vs. 10 & 2 => weak hit => mark progress twice now 6/10, in bad spot
Clash: +Iron, +1 Blademaster; Armoured set action die to 4 +2 +1 +1 vs. 8 & 1 => weak hit => mark progress now 7/10, bad spot, pay the price, +1 momentum from Combat Bot now +9
Pay the Price: Endure Harm: serious -2 Health now 3, +Health; 2 +3 vs. 5 & 1 => weak hit => -1 momentum now +8, +1 Health now 4

The next Chitters fared better. Although Ser Taylah cut down the one facing her with swift swordstrokes, Brunvoldt was not as competent. He parried the Chitter's first attack, but its second siezed his leg with its mandibles crushing his greave into his calf and eliciting a scream of pain from him. Magnus meanwhile, had finally ripped the head off the Chitter it had been savaging, and between retching coughs was menacing another of the great insects.

React Under Fire: take the hit +Iron; Armoured set action die to 4 +2 vs. 4 & 2 => strong hit => in control, +1 momentum now +9
Strike: Firebrand 'unleash hell' => automatic strong hit => mark progress twice now 9/10, Firebrand mark progress now 10/10, in control, Fire now 0
Take Decisive Action: progress 10 vs. 5 & 1 => strong hit => prevail, +1 momentum now +10 (max)

Brunvoldt skewered the Chitter that held his leg with its mandibles through the thorax while Ser Taylah and Magnus combined to kill the last remaining Chitter. The Chitter that Brunvoldt had run through fell away from his leg, allowing him the freedom to move up to Ser Taylah's side.

They saw that while they had been fighting, the Queen Chitter had managed to crawl away into a tunnel that had been hidden by its bulk. Pointing his torch at the retreating insectoid bulk, Brunvoldt sung a short paean in praise of Vanth and called down Her Holy Power upon the Chitter Queen.

In an awesome display of Her Power that had Brunvoldt and Ser Taylah fall to their knees crying out their worship, the fire from Brunvoldt's torch leapt to the tunnel and engulfed the Chitter Queen. After a few moments of insect screams and churning, roiling flame, the roof of the tunnel collapsed burying what was left of the Queen and sealing the tunnel.

Destroying the Queen allows Brunvoldt to
Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will journey to Portwater and investigate the Broken attack through the Lighthouse", progress now 6/10
Also, sharing this religious experience, will Develop Your Relationship: with Ser Taylah, mark progress per rank => dangerous now 8/10, and then Forge a Bond: progress 8 vs. 7 & 5 => strong hit => dangerous 2 ticks on bonds track

Friday, 1 July 2022

Brunvoldt 09 - Smells Like Chitter

I'd forgotten to update the vow Brunvoldt swore and discovering the Delve allows
Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will journey to Portwater and investigate the Broken attack through the Lighthouse", progress now 2/10
Delve the Depths: +Wits; 3 +3 vs. 10 & 5 => weak hit => roll 42 => mark progress, now 4/10; feature: 88 Courtyard

They carried on in the passageway they had started in. There had been other doorways and side passages, but the rooms were empty and the side passages ended in more empty rooms, so the initial passageway remained their only viable route.

The passageway stopped at a large cavern laid out in a similar fashion to one of the courtyards in the Temple-Citadel. There was a circular stone bench surrounding a planter that would have held a tree in the Temple-Citadel. Over there was what could have been a pool. It was somewhat surreal to Brunvoldt and Ser Taylah - a castle courtyard underground with no light but that provided by Brunvoldt's torch...

Going round the outside of the courtyard, they found only one other passage exiting from it, so they took that.

Delve the Depths: +Wits; 2 +3 vs. 8 & 6 => miss => progress still 4/10, Reveal a Danger, roll 48 => hostile denizen; feature: 44 Common room

They were passing a doorway - a cursory glance had shown no other exits - when a noise came from it. Stopping, all three of them looked at the doorway and Magnus crouched, a silent snarl on his face. Brunvoldt gave him a nod and the Vagthund dashed through the doorway followed by Brunvoldt, torch held as high as his bad arm allowed, and then Ser Taylah. In the room, missed when they had glanced in, was one of the Chitters - it had apparently been collecting body parts and shifting detritus had been the noise that they had heard.

Enter the Fray: Objective: defeat the Chitter, rank dangerous, in the thick of it, +Iron; 4 +2 vs. 9 & 8 => miss => bad spot, progress 0/10
Clash: +Iron +2 Firebrand, +1 Blademaster; 3 +2 +2 +1 vs. 9 & 8 => miss, burn momentum, now +2, strong hit => mark progress twice now 4/10, in control, +1 momentum from Combat Bot now +3, -1 Fire now 4
Strike: +Iron, +1 Blademaster +1 Combat Bot; 3 +2 +1 +1 vs. 5 & 5 => strong hit w. opportunity => mark progress twice now 8/10, Blademaster 'unstoppable' mark progress now 10/10
Take Decisive Action: progress 10 vs. 7 & 3 => strong hit => prevail, +1 momentum now +4
Lacking inspiration for anything else, I'm using the above opportunity to
Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will journey to Portwater and investigate the Broken attack through the Lighthouse", progress now 3/10

Brunvoldt uttered a commination and the flame of his torch roared out, covering the head of the Chitter. As it reared up, its mandibles clashing and it chittered its distress, Magnus darted in and started trying to pull one of its rearmost legs off. This threw it entirely off-balance and Brunvoldt was able to decapitate it in one stroke.

As its head came off and the body fell to the floor, a putrid, disgusting stream of vomit sprayed out across the floor. Brunvoldt stepped away and brought up the contents of his stomach, while Ser Taylah looked on and said, "Didn't I mention the smell of their disgusting vomit?" with a smile.

Brunvoldt looked at her as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, saying nothing, but looking daggers at her. Magnus, it seemed, like Ser Taylah, had a stronger stomach than Brunvoldt as he just sniffed at the horrible stuff and left it be.

They left the dead Chitter in the room and continued along the passageway.

Delve the Depths: +Wits; 4 +3 vs. 7 & 4 => weak hit => roll 63 => choose mark progress now 6/10; feature: 75 Stairwell

They found a stairwell heading down and followed it into the dark. There was something strange about the staircase, that took Brunvoldt a moment's thought to puzzle out. The steps were ... wrong ... a different height to what he was used to. That was odd, and he said as much to Ser Taylah who merely grunted in reply.

Delve the Depths: +Wits; 3 +3 vs. 4 & 1 => strong hit => mark progress now 8/10; find an opportunity: choose terrain favours you, +1 momentum now +5; feature: 37 Connecting passageway

The stairs ended and they were in another passage. There was a slight breeze that barely flickered the torch's flame blowing from their right, so they headed that way.

Locate Your Objective: progress 8 vs. 7 & 1 => strong hit => +1 momentum now +6; feature: Large cavern This is another
Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will journey to Portwater and investigate the Broken attack through the Lighthouse", progress now 4/10

After a short way, the passageway was opening up, the stone cladding of the walls and ceiling stopped, although the slabs on the floor continued. Then there was a rail in front of them - as if it were a balcony. Approaching it, they could see that it was a balcony, stairs led down to the right and the ceiling disappeared away into the dark, the torch's light no longer able to illuminate it - nor were the edges of the cavern visible. They could see the wall to their right for a short way but nothing beyond that ...

Brunvoldt 08 - The Delve Begins

Brunvoldt

I'm going to make another change to Brunvoldt, swapping the Sleuth asset for Armored (sic) as I think that fits Brunvoldt better. He may no longer be Charun, but he remains a formidable warrior. I've also discovered Heroforge recently, so here's a pic of Brunvoldt and I've added a pic of Ser Taylah to Brunvoldt 07

Calling upon the Holy Power of Vanth, Brunvoldt lit his torch with a snap of his fingers. "Show-off," muttered Ser Taylah quietly, drawing a smile in answer from Brunvoldt.

Torches burning they could see the bodies of the Broken that they stood amongst where they had fallen at the barricade. Magnus was sniffing at them and growling loudly.

"Quietly boy," admonished Brunvoldt, and Magnus quieted. He still growled, but much quieter.

The Broken's approach route was obvious, and with Magnus leading the way, they followed it. In moments they had reached the point where the Broken had tunnelled into the cellar of the Lighthouse. It had been used by the villagers as a firewood store and the formerly neatly stacks of logs had been scattered throughout the room. The Broken had knocked down a wall on one side of the room, behind which was a short earthen tunnel opening into a stone lined passageway ...

This is the start of a Delve. I'm using the Ironsworn Delve rules rather than Starforged exploration. This will be a formidable Infested Stronghold called 'The Lighthouse Redoubt'

Stepping through the earthen tunnel, they entered the passageway which stretched into the darkness to both the left and right.

Delve the Depths: +Wits; 3 +3 vs. 8 & 2 => weak hit => roll 58 => mark progress, now 1/10; feature: 47 Barracks

Choosing to go right, they followed the passage, marvelling at the excellence of the stonework. The Lighthouse above them had been built by the ancients (believed by scholars to be the ancestors of the Broken) and this passage had clearly been built by them as well. That there was a complex under the Lighthouse had been known by none and would have remained so had the Broken not revealed it.

They entered a room that the filthy Broken had used as a sleeping area, but there were none but dead there now. The Broken lay about in pieces, something had dismembered the bodies, scattering the parts amidst the disgusting piles used by the Broken for sleeping.

What has done this?
Gather Information: +Wits; 1 +3 vs. 6 & 1 => weak hit => +1 momentum, now +9

Magnus sniffed around the bodies and then started snarling and pawing at a particularly large pile. Shifting some of the bits, Brunvoldt was surprised to find the body of an insect about half the size on an Ironlander.

"What in Vanth's name is that?!" exclaimed Brunvoldt, holding his torch closer to it.
Ser Taylah came over and said, "That, my dear Sentinel, is a Chitter and they are probably what drove the Broken to attack us." A sombre expression on her face, she continued, "They are carnivorous and will be back at some point to collect all this food." With a sweep of her arm, she indicated the body parts that littered the room. "And then, eventually, they'll come through the Lighthouse to Portwater."
"Then we need to carry on and learn what we can about this Chitter ... nest? is that the right word?" asked Brunvoldt.
"It'll certainly do for us," Ser Taylah replied.

Delve the Depths: +Wits; 5 +3 vs. 4 & 1 => strong hit => roll 58 => mark progress, now 2/10; find opportunity, choose aspect of history is revealed; feature: 67 Library

They came to a doorway on the side of the corridor - its door long gone. Entering the room, Brunvoldt judged by the shelves that lined three of the room's four walls, that it had once been a library, but what drew their attention was the decoration on the fourth wall of the room.

It was a large carving that had once been painted, but the paint had long since faded, most of it flaking away. It showed the Lighthouse on its hill and underneath it, rooms and passages. Showing the complex in a vertical view, prevented its use as a map, but it did reveal that the complex had been designed as a redoubt, against who, or what, remained a mystery. Leaving the sad memorial to a disappeared people behind, they continued along the passageway.

Delve the Depths: +Wits; 5 +3 vs. 9 & 4 => weak hit => roll 84 => mark progress, now 3/10 & find opportunity, roll 23 terrain favours you; feature: 59 Large hall

The passageway opened into a large hall, its purpose indiscernible. More evidence of the fight - war? - between the Broken and Chitters was all around them. More Chitters than Broken were dead here, and it seemed that they had fought here at different times.

Gather Information: +Wits; 4 +3 vs. 6 & 4 => strong hit => +2 momentum, now +10 (max)

From the scene, Brunvoldt and Ser Taylah were able to piece together what they believed had happened. The Chitters seemed to have attacked the Broken, driven them off and then the Broken had counter-attacked and retaken the hall. That had been since the last attack on the barricade at the Lighthouse entrance, so it seemed that the Broken had cut through the Chitters - but to where?

Thursday, 30 June 2022

Brunvoldt 07 - Into the Dark

As he waited for the ferry, Brunvoldt took the chance to pray to Holy Vanth for strength, guidance and for the people of Portwater to have that same strength to weather the storm that had crashed upon them.

Firebrand: Gather fire, +Spirit; 5 +5 vs. 10 & 7 => weak hit => +2 Fire, now 5 (max)

The ferry arrived and carried Brunvoldt, Scar and Magnus over to the Portwater side of the bay. Debarking, they climbed the hill to the village gates and found them closed, as Brunvoldt had expected given the current crisis. He hailed the Wall-Wardens and was soon admitted to the village.

Reaching Portwater is the first step in his vow, so it is
Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will journey to Portwater and investigate the Broken attack through the Lighthouse", progress now 1/10
Time to ask the Oracle how things have progressed while Brunvoldt was travelling...
Have the Wardens held the Broken back? 50/50, roll 22 - yes
Is Ser Taylah wounded? Likely, roll 51 - yes; Lightly? likely, roll 66 - yes

At the Temple-of-Vanth, Brunvoldt found Ser Taylah, whose left arm was bandaged and in a sling, at the centre of a hive of activity. Wounded Wardens were lying on the pews being attended by the elderly folk of the village and Brunvoldt walked to Ser Taylah's side, interrupting her briefly so she knew he had arrived and then went to the guestroom to deposit his gear. Returning to the altar-room, he waited until Ser Taylah had finished speaking to one of the villagers, who hurried out, and then approached her.

He embraced her and then stepped back, "Ser Taylah, I am sorry to see you hurt, but glad to see you on your feet at least."
"Brunvoldt, it is good to see you. I had hoped that Lady Sibila would send you to help us, but last I heard you were looking for Giants."
"I was indeed," Brunvoldt replied. "Unsuccessfully - I'll tell you what happened later. What is the situation here?"

Ser Taylah told Brunvoldt what had happened - in the middle watches of the night, all the dogs in the village had suddenly started barking, waking everyone and it was good that they had for otherwise the Broken that had come boiling out of the Lighthouse soon after would have been able to kill everyone in their beds. As it was, the Wardens and villagers had only just been able to force the Broken back and barricade the Lighthouse's entrance, keeping them contained.

Since then, the Broken had rushed the barricade on three occasions, in greater numbers each time, nearly surmounting it the last time. That had been eight hours ago - the longest time between attacks so far. As the dogs had warned of the Broken's first attack, the Wardens watching the barricade had been using them as very effective sentries. The Broken had attempted several stealth attacks, but been foiled by the dogs' warnings.

Ser Taylah

As they talked they had left the temple and headed up the hill to the Lighthouse. Standing before it, Brunvoldt surveyed the barricade they had constructed as Captain-Warden Selva approached.

"Priestess, Sentinel," Selva began. "Still nothing - I'm beginning to think that they might have given up. But it's too dangerous to make that assumption. Someone will have to go in there and find out what's going on."
"I'll go," volunteered Brunvoldt immediately. "Magnus will help me, won't you boy?" and he ruffled the Vaghunt's ears, earning a doggy smile of appreciation.
"And I will go to," said Ser Taylah surprising them both.
"But you are injured!" objected Brunvoldt seconds before Selva said the same thing.
Ser Taylah looked from one to the other and began to take off the sling. "It is not my sword arm," she said and besides, it's merely a scratch." Her look of iron defied either of them to object further.

Brunvoldt had always believed that you should only fight battles that you stood a chance of winning so wisely said nothing further. Captain-Warden Selva obviously agreed and withdrew, saying that she would get access through the barricade ready. Brunvoldt and Ser Taylah returned to the temple to prepare for their foray beyond the barricade.

When both were ready, they returned to the barricade with Magnus to find that Selva had everything ready and was waiting for them.

"Good luck," she said to them. "Vanth willing you won't need it, but in case you do..."

There was nothing to say in return, so they just nodded, clambered through the barricade and into the darkness that lay beyond ...