Radulf and Brunvoldt

The man who had once been Radulf of Templemount stared vacantly out of his window at the courtyard of the Citadel-Temple replaying the events of that horrible day many, many years ago. as he often found himself doing. With difficulty, he pulled his mind back from the day that Lili had died. She had been his first love he knew now, although it had taken him years (and other loves) to realise that ...

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That day had been the single most formative experience of his life. He had been damaged in body and soul, his Faith challenged as it had never been before. But he had survived - unlike beautiful, heroic, Lili. And his friend, Runbjorn had never been the same - the Hound's spirit had been shattered by the experience. Instead of a brave, loyal, companion, Runbjorn had become a frightened, broken thing, whimpering and cowering at the slightest fear and lived out his short remaining life as Radulf's pet, unable to fulfil his duties as a Kadaverhund of the Faith.

He had been like Runbjorn at first - broken, useless and without purpose. His left arm had been crippled - barely able to lift it above shoulder height. That meant he could no longer wield the Hammer-of-Charun, the badge of office of the Charun, a Warrior-of-the-Faith - a role that he had trained to fill since he had been given to the Church. What would he be now? What could he do? How could he help the Faith that was the core of his life?

Then Lady Sibila had saved him. She had given him purpose and even given him a new name. That had been her greatest gift to him. A new name allowed him to separate the events of 'before' from those of 'after' in his mind, creating a measure of acceptance that had not been possible for him until that point.

So, Radulf or rather Brunvoldt as he was henceforth known, joined the library of the Citadel-Temple. As his body slowly mended, he studied under Gyda, Mistress-of-Lore. Lady Sibila wanted Brunvoldt to learn new skills and expand his knowledge so that he would continue to be of use to the Faith. Along with knowledge, Brunvoldt learnt new martial skills - the holy sword of Vanth became his weapon. Specifically, Lili's sword. That had been all that remained of Lili when Radulf had regained his senses and he had kept the sword ever since.

Magnus, the Vagthund

When Runbjorn had finally been granted the gift of eternal rest, Lady Sibila had ordered Brunvoldt to attend the Temple-Kennels to gain a new companion. She believed that Brunvoldt would need the aid of a new Hound and, although Brunvoldt was reluctant, he came to learn that she was right. Temple-Houndmaster Gunnvor once more guided Brunvoldt, but this time it was to bond with a Vagthund* and Magnus became his new partner.

* - According to Google, Vagthund is Danish for wardog, Magnus' breed is Central Asian Shepherd dog

Brunvoldt's life was not all work, though. Whenever Ser Taylah, Priestess-of-Vanth in Portwater, came to Templemount, she visited Brunvoldt and their friendship grew, each appreciating the company of the other. In the summers he visited the settlements administered by the Faith and was pleased to see that the boy Sven, crippled by the Varou in Highfall, was growing to be a redoubtable young man. Sigrid and Odvir's love had blossomed to marriage although she had chosen to leave the Church (gossip fountained as to why, but Brunvoldt did not know).

Just over three years had passed since the day of Lili's death. His body was mended, although his left arm still pained him and it would never have full mobility or use. His mind had been educated and expanded and he felt ready for whatever Lady Sibila intended for him. He did not know it, but those around him agreed that Brunvoldt was ready to return to the world. Mistress-of-Lore Gyda said as much to Lady Sibila, 'He must be pushed now, or he'll stay in the Library for ever; I have no more to teach him.'

So Brunvoldt was summoned to the Lady Sibilia's office where he learnt that she had created a new role in the Faith for him ...

  I'm using the 'opportunity' of the traumatic fight in Radulf 22 - Sacrifice, to change my game.
  As Radulf had developed, I could see the game rapidly becoming a 'monster-of-the-week' series, something that I do not want. So, by using the Ironsworn asset 'Battle-Scarred', I'm changing the character's specialism away from combat to a more thought-first approach. Well, that's my intent.
  I've been listening to a lot of Starforged actual plays, and am impressed by the changes between it and Ironsworn, and would like to try the new rules. As I have no inspiration for a Sci-Fi game at the moment, I'm going to use them for this game going forward, but am retaining some of the Ironsworn assets.
  As a consequence of the change of rules, I'm changing the assets of Brunvoldt; the starting assets were:

• Devotant (Charun, Iron), Banner-sworn, Thunder-bringer

  Those Ironsworn assets are exchanged for these Starforged assets:

• Devotant (Vanth, Wits), Blademaster, Sleuth

  In the course of his adventures, Radulf earned 13xp - 4 of which were for completing the vow to destroy the Villain (shown as incomplete on his character sheet) - which Brunvoldt has spent as follows:

• Starforged Assets: 2xp Devotant 2nd ability, 5xp Firebrand & 3rd ability, 3xp Companion Combat Bot (reskinned as Magnus the Vagthund)
• Ironsworn Assets: 3xp Battle-scarred (1st ability, -1 Iron, +1 Heart, +1 Wits)

  Note: I've advanced the connection with Ser Taylor to represent the friendship in the fiction above to 6/10. Also, I have advanced his background vow to 1.5/10 as each years' service is a 'tick'

 

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Radulf 22 - Sacrifice

As Radulf and Lili watched, stupefied by the horror that unfolded before them, the creature's body gradually reassembled itself. As it did so, the mask slowly begin to rise until, as the body completed itself, the creature was as it had been before Radulf had broken it to pieces.

The Wight, reformed

Inspiration struck Lili, "It must be a Wight, Radulf, we need to destroy its mask!"

    Enter the Fray: formidable foe - still; facing off +Heart; 6 +2 vs. 3 & 1 =>strong hit => take initiative, +2 momentum, now +4
  Strike: +Iron, +1 Masked, +1 ferocious Hound; 2 +3 +1 +1 vs. 9 & 3 => weak hit => lose initiative; 2 harm, +1 ferocious Hound; progress 3/10
  Clash: +Iron, +1 Masked, +1 ferocious Hound; 1 +3 +1 +1 vs. 8 & 7 => miss => lose initiative, progress 3/10; -1 Health due to Masked, now 3; -3 Health to Runbjorn, now 1
  Mark Failure Track: now 3.00   Companion Endure Harm: +Heart; 2 +2 vs. 9 & 6 => miss, -1 momentum, now +3
  Mark Failure Track: now 3.25

Radulf struck at the Wight, hitting it solidly, but, as before, it ignored his strikes. This time though, it seemed that Runbjorn had hurt it. The Wight struck the Hound, flinging the loyal dog across the cavern where he struck hard and lay still whimpering.

  "Runbjorn!" shouted Radulf enraged. With Lili by his side, they swung savagely at the Wight.

  Radulf is frightened for Runbjorn, so will no longer use the Companion Hound asset
  Clash: +Iron, +1 Masked; 4 +3 +1 vs. 10 & 5 => weak hit => lose initiative, 2 harm, progress 5/10; pay the price, -3 Health, now 0
  Endure Harm: +Iron +1 Masked; 1 +3 +1 vs. 10 & 6 => miss => mark wounded, -1 momentum, now +2
  Mark Failure Track: now 3.50
  Turn the Tide: steal initiative and +1 on next move
  Strike: +Iron +1 Masked +1 Turn the Tide +2 Thunder-Bringer asset (reroll any dice, +2 harm strong hit, but weak hit is a miss); 6 +3 +1 +1 +2 vs. 8 & 7 => strong hit => +1 momentum, now +4, inflict 2 harm, +1 strong hit, +2 Thunder-Bringer; progress 10/10 (max)
  End the Fight: progress 10 vs. 6 & 1 => strong hit

The Wight could not withstand the storm of Radulf's fury and although it struck him multiple times, once again Radulf and Lili reduced the creature to pieces, its mask clattering to the ground.

Still furious, Radulf pulped the pieces of the Wight, not satisfied until they were as pulped as the animals left from its foul ritual. He came back to himself to find that Lili was repeatedly saying his name - "Radulf! Radulf! The mask Radulf, we must destroy the mask before it reforms again!"

  Lili believes that the Wight will reform as long as the focus of its vow remains and also believes that the mask is this focus; one of these beliefs is true, the other is not ...

Spying the mask, where it lay, Radulf aimed his Hammer-of-Charun at it and struck it soundly. With a loud clang like a bell being struck, the Greathammer bounced off, the mask untouched.

Unbelieving, for the Hammer-of-Charun had never failed him before, Radulf looked at the Greathammer, then at the mask and back at the Greathammer. Then he swung the Greathammer in two full circles before striking the mask again as hard as he could. Once more, the clang of a bell being struck and the mask lay there - not even a scratch marred its surface.

Mystified, he looked at Lili. She was staring at the mask, one hand held to her mouth which had formed an 'oh' as the true horror of what this meant struck her. She fell to her knees and shouted "NO! NO! Holy Vanth make it not so!"

  Radulf knew that Lili was smarter than him and he was at a loss as to what they should do ... "Lili, what does this mean?" he asked her.
  "It means, darling Radulf," she replied a look of ineffable sadness in her eyes, "That the mask is not the focus of its vow."
  "Then what could it be?" he asked, looking around the cavern - but he could see nothing that it might be. To his side, he could hear the mask dragging across the floor as the Wight began reforming - again.

Ignoring the Wight reforming, Lili came to stand in front of Radulf and placed her hand on his cheek. "My mighty Charun,"she said, her voice full of affection, "I am afraid that not even you can protect me from this. I am the focus of its vow - as long as I live it will reform again and again, endlessly." She stood on her tiptoes and gently kissed Radulf on the lips. A kiss full of missed opprtunities and lost chances.

Radulf was stunned - this could not be true! She must be wrong. All he could say though, was a very quiet, "no ...". His mind refused to accept the truth, even as the Wight reformed itself behind Lili as she stood in front of him.

Tears ran from the corners of her eyes as she said one more word - "Goodbye," then stepped back and thrust her holy sword through her sternum, into the body of the Wight behind her. Lili's torch, discarded on the floor, burned brighter and brighter even as Lili's body fell to the floor with the Wight's body atop her. Then vision was lost to Radulf as he felt himself fall to the floor.

 

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Radulf 21 - The Villain

  Looking back at post 20, I noticed that I rolled a 1 on the first Strike against the Bonehorde; at the time I dimissed it as there was no negative result for the Companion to endure, BUT it should also have resulted in -1 Health for Radulf from the Masked asset, so his Health is now 4
  The image of 'The Villain' below was created by, and used with permission of, 'rsek' on the Ironsworn Discord Server - thanks rsek! On with the game ...
 
  Defeating the bonehorde counts as
  Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will end the villain that created the Chimera", progress now 7/10
  Delve the Depths: with observation => +Wits; 4 +2 vs. 7 & 5 => weak hit => on Wits table: 48, mark progress, now 8/10, Feature: 18 evidence of a foul ritual
  This is perfect for the culmination of the Delve - evidence of the Chimera's creation
  Locate Your Objective: progress 8 vs. 7 & 3 => make another move and add +1

  A deep, gravelly, voice echoed through the cavern, "Who has destroyed my guardian? Who DARES to violate my home?" Apart from the way they had come, there was only one other exit from the stinking room, and that was where the voice apparently came from. Retrieving his torch, Radulf led the way, "Charun guide us," he muttered to himself.
  Lili obvously heard him, for she responded, "And may Our Lady Vanth stretch out Her Hand and shield us!"

They headed for the other exit. A short tunnel led to another cave, which stank as much as the one they had left. Animal bodies and bits of animal bodies littered the cavern. Small plants struggled to grow amidst the detritus of the ritual to create the Chimera that had obviously been performed here. But what drew their attention was the black moss speckled figure, wearing a silvery iron mask that stood in the centre of the room.

The Villain

  "Who are you?" its slow, gravelly, voice asked as they stepped into the cavern.
  "We are the people here to end you!" exclaimed Radulf dropping his torch and taking his Hammer-of-Charun in both hands, ready to destroy this foul creature.
  It ignored him, however, and stared at Lili, who had moved to Radulf's left. "I knoowww you," it said slowly.
  Radulf looked at Lili, "What's going on Lili?" he asked.
  "I know not," she replied with a puzzled shrug.
  "It is YOU!" the black figure said, "It is all your fault! It is all because of YOU!"

Still ignoring Radulf, it floated across the room toward Lili.

  Enter the Fray: formidable foe - again Lili and Runbjorn reduce the foe's rank; facing off +Heart; 1 +2 vs. 7 & 1 => weak hit => take initiative
  Strike: +Iron, +1 Masked, +1 ferocious Hound; 2 +3 +1 +1 vs. 7 & 6 => weak hit => lose initiative; 2 harm, +1 ferocious Hound; progress 3/10
  Clash: +Iron, +1 Masked, +1 ferocious Hound; 2 +3 +1 +1 vs. 9 & 6 => weak hit => lose initiative; 2 harm, +1 ferocious Hound; progress 6/10, pay the price, pick 'person you care about is exposed to danger'

Radulf hit the creature as it floated by him, but it shrugged off the impact and hovered before Lili.

  "YOU!! YOU!!" it shouted, if such a creature could shout. "YOU spurned me! You made me swear that vow!" it continued, seizing Lili with both hands. "YOU are the reason I cannot Rest!!"
  "Lili!" roared Radulf striking the creature in the back as it shook Lili while Runbjorn snapped at the creature's legs, but it ignored the Hound just as it ignored Radulf's blows.

  Clash: +Iron, +1 Masked, +1 ferocious Hound; 2 +3 +1 +1 vs. 9 & 9 => miss with a match, burn momentum, now +2 => strong hit => take initiative; 2 harm +1, strong hit, +1 ferocious Hound; progress 10/10
  End the Fight: progress 10 vs. 10 & 7 => weak hit => victory is short-lived: existing danger worsens

Radulf wound up for a mighty swing and, with a prayer to Charun on his lips, he let it go. The Hammer-of-Charun swung through the creature. Its iron mask fell to the floor with a clatter as the creature broke apart, the bits landing on the floor of the cavern amidst the stubby plants. Dropping his Greathammer, Radulf leapt to Lili's side, cradling her in his arms as she had fallen to the floor when the creature did

  "Lili, are you alright?" asked Radulf tenderly. But Lili was shaking her head in denial of something.
  "No," she said, "It cannot be! It cannot be!" she paused as an expression of horror formed on her face. "Radulf," she said, "I recognised that - that thing!" she pushed him away and stood, taking up her sword as she did so.

  "How?" asked Radulf, "How could you know that thing?"
  "When I first arrived at Woodwatch, there was a man there. His name was Volhan and ... well we fell in love. I found him enchanting, he swept me off my feet, I was in heaven. But it was all a deception - he hid his nature from me. He wanted power. He wanted to dominate me as he wanted to control everyone. So I spurned him. I told everyone in the village his true nature and he was cast out." Radulf wanted to hold Lili, to wrap his arms around her and say everything would be alright, but she raised her hand when he began to move toward her.
  "No," she said, "Let me finish." She visibly drew up her resolve. "Volhan left the village one night. Just vanished. No one knew where he went - to be honest, we were all glad to be rid of him."
  "He had claimed to me," she continued, "That he had, before he met me, been an Ironsworn. Perhaps that explains what it said about a vow." She finished, lifted her sword up to her face, prayed to Vanth and kissed her blade.

Before Radulf could speak - not that he knew what he would've said - there was a metallic sound behind him. The creature's mask was rising from the ground and the pieces of its body were slowly moving towards the mask ...

 

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Radulf 20 - The Villain's Lair

  Let's start with our first delve roll
  Delve the Depths: with observation => +Wits; 4 +2 vs. 5 & 1 => strong hit => progress now 2/10
  Find an Opportunity: 22, terrain favors you; Feature: 27 twisting passages

The cavern narrowed as it led away from the daylight, eventually becoming a narrow twisting passage that seemed to angle slightly upwards, ascending into the hill that the cave was in. The floor of the passage was covered with small stones, making their footing uncertain, and Lili took the lead as they cautiously advanced. Several times they came to branches in the passage, but each time Runbjorn was positive as to the direction they should take. It was obvious that he had a scent and was determined to follow it.

  Delve the Depths: with observation => +Wits; 2 +2 vs. 6 & 4 => miss
  Mark Failure track: now 2.75/10
  Reveal a Danger: 62, environmental hazard, rockfall
  Face Danger: Agility, +Edge; 3 +1 vs. 4 & 3 => weak hit => -1 Health, now +4

Insipiration for Lili

At one point where the floor was strewn with boulders large enough to require climbing over, Radulf managed to bang the ceiling with his Greathammer triggering a minor rockfall. Fortunately, Lili was clear of it and Radulf's armour saved him from major harm.

  Delve the Depths: with observation => +Wits; 5 +2 vs. 4 & 3 => strong hit => progress now 4/10
  Find an Opportunity: 48, locate a secure area; Feature: 78 towering stone formations
  Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will end the villain that created the Chimera", progress now 7/10
  Make Camp: +Supply; 5 +5 vs. 7 & 3 => strong hit => choose recuperate (+1 health, now 5) & focus (+1 momentum, already +10 (max))

Their progress was slow, and they came to a large cavern where the stalagtites and stalgmites had joined forming tall stone pillars that disappeared into the blackness above - their torchlight unable to reach the ceiling. They needed to rest, Radulf's leg, having been hurt in the rockfall, was bothering him. Looking around the edge of the large cavern they found a niche big enough for the three of them, and the way that it curled back on itself would hide the light from the fire they intended to have - all felt the need for hot food. Confident in Runbjorn's ability as a sentry, after eating, Lili and Radulf got what sleep they could.

  Delve the Depths: with observation => +Wits; 3 +2 vs. 5 & 2 => weak hit => on Wits table: 39, mark progress, now 6/10 and
  Reveal a Danger: 48, encounter a hostile denizen; Feature: 14 blight or decay

When they thought it was morning, they packed their makeshift camp, said their prayers and continued deeper into the Villain's Lair, Radulf donning his Mask-of-Charun.

They thought the passage had levelled off now and it had begun to bend back and forth like a meandering river. Then the stench of rot and decay began to permeate the passage. Perturbed by what this might portend, Radulf readied his Hammer-of-Charun and Lili drew her sword, holding her torch higher. They both knew that if it came to a fight Radulf would be forced to drop his torch, so Lili's would be their only lightsource. She had told Radulf, that if it came to that, Holy Vanth had blessed her with power that would help them.

Rounding a bend, the passage opened into another cavern and the stench of decay became almost overpowering. The floor of the cavern was littered with bodies - there were people, animals, Varou and Vanth only knew what else.

As they stepped into the cavern, the bodies began to move. Each of them seemed to jerk repeatedly, as if while lying on the floor, some evil dance was making them move. Then with disgusting, squelching noises, the bones of the bodies started to tear themselves free from their rotting bodies. As Lili and Radulf looked on horrified and Runbjorn whined his fear, above each body the bones began to coalesce into a floating, whirling mass of stark white bleached bone. One part of Radulf knew from his training what was happening. A small part, but it fought back the terror that sought to freeze his limbs, managed to make him drop his torch, ready the Hammer-of-Charun and step in front of Lili. "It is becoming a Bonehorde," he forced out.

  A Bonehorde is an extreme foe, but with Lili and Runbjorn to help Radulf, in this fight it will be formidable

In a strong, confident voice Lili announced, "It matters not my Charun, for we are Iron in our Faith and in the hands of Lady Vanth!"

Fleeting shame raced across Radulf's thoughts, that the fear that almost had him gibbering on the floor had no hold on Lili. It never occurred to Radulf that Lili was as frightened as he, but by stepping in front of her, Radulf had given Lili the strength for her defiance.

The bone masses began to revolve around a central point, quickly coming closer and closer until, with a great clash, they came together and formed one large mass that fell to the floor, sending splinters of bone flying all around.

  Enter the Fray: formidable foe, facing off +Heart; 3 +2 vs. 7 & 4 => weak hit => take initiative
  Strike: +Iron, +1 Masked, +1 ferocious Hound; 1 +3 +1 +1 vs. 2 & 1 => strong hit => keep initiative; 2 harm +1 strong hit, +1 ferocious Hound; progress 4/10
  Strike: +Iron, +1 Masked, +1 ferocious Hound; 3 +3 +1 +1 vs. 3 & 2 => strong hit => keep initiative; 2 harm +1 strong hit, +1 ferocious Hound; progress 8/10

With mighty swings of his Greathammer, Radulf laid about the Bonehorde as it slid across the rotting flesh that covered the cavern's floor. Behind him Lili uttered a holy phrase and the light from her torch blossomed forth, filling the cavern with its holy radiance. Beside him, Runbjorn tore bones away from the foul mass with his mighty jaws. Their weeks of practice together had been for moments like this. Together they were the earthly instrument of Holy Vanth's divine will.

  Note: Vanth was an Etruscan deity and was frequently depicted carrying a torch and sword, so in this game they are her 'holy symbols'; I've given Lili the Lightbearer ritual, hence her ability to enlarge the torchlight
  End the Fight: progress 8 vs. 7 & 2 => strong hit

With a huge swing, putting all his strength into it, Radulf brought the Hammer-of-Charun down on the centre of the Bonehorde. Whatever evil magic animated the mass of bone was destroyed by the blessed Greathammer and the mass fell apart, falling to the floor all around.

 

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Radulf 19 - Finding the Delve

It took Radulf the best part of two weeks to fully recover from the fight with the Haunt and he soon learnt that Lili had been right, the Varou had left after the death of their mystic. That crippled Varou was still out there somewhere, no doubt Radulf would meet it again.

After a few days, he was ambulatory and spent many evenings in the village's tavern getting to know the locals and they him. The mutual affection that he and Lili shared grew as well and led to many sideways glances and suppressed gigles from Sigrid.

  So, four moves here
  Develop Your Relationship: with Lili; 'formidable', progress now 4/10
  Develop Your Relationship: with Woodwatch; 'troublesome', progress now 6/10
  Take a Hiatus: Reset all tracks to maximum, reset momentum; hiatus causes
  Advance a Threat: 43 - threat works subtly to advance toward its goal, mark menace, now 3

Once he was able, Radulf resumed his training with Runbjorn, concentrating upon combat. Runbjorn's tracking was already top-notch and his response to commands was excellent - if anything it was Radulf who needed to practice that. Using the correct tone was just as important as the words, according to Temple-Houndmaster Gunnvor.

  Advance: spend 2xp for Companion Hound second ability Ferocious

They also began training with Lili. She had been keeping up her Duty, and she was one with her holy sword. Well, very nearly.

The winter passed. It was a harsh one. A full week of blizzards howled through at one point. But soon that was but a memory and spring was arriving. In the long dark of winter, they had not been idle though. The advice of Shashkya had been sought, and Odvir had made a better recovery than any had thought he could. He could not tell Sigrid much about the 'great evil' though.

(Apparently, Odvir had always been sweet on Sigrid, a feeling that she returned, and now she was the only person he could talk to about the terrible events that had afflicted him.)

All he could really say was that the evil was to the south-west. On the side of good news, however, was that his physical wound had healed well and Odvir had adapted well to his wooden peg-leg. First-Merchant Piritta had taken him on as a carter and his future, despite his new disability seemed assured. Warden-Captain Erik had changed too.

  Descriptors for Odvir: Sympathetic, Erratic, Trustworthy
  For Erik, remove Cold-hearted, Sad, replace with Compassionate, Energetic (both picked by me)

Odvir's troubles had ignited a new compassion in Erik's heart and the needs of his son during his recovery seemed to have lit a fire under Erik. His energy burned brightly for all to see - instead of the dour, cold man Erik had been, he was now a genuine pleasure to be with. Adversity, it seemed, can lead to benefits.

  As yet more time has passed, I feel it is right to, again,
  Advance a Threat: 58 - threat works subtly to advance toward its goal, mark menace, now 4

The first thaw of spring came earlier than expected, catching Radulf and Lili unready to leave. But they completed their preparations quickly and with Vrusk loaded with their supplies they set out the next day, after their morning prayers, heading south-west hoping to find their enemy.

  Secure an Advantage: +Iron: 3 +3 vs. 5 & 4 => strong hit => +4 momentum (+2 from strong hit, +2 from Devotant asset), now +6

  "It's all very well, setting out on a heroic quest like this," Lili said when they were out of earshot of the village, "But where do we actually go?"
  "That is a good question," replied Radulf. "For want of anything better, I'd suggest we go to where the Varou were encamped and see if we can find anything there."

Before long they returned to the clearing where the Varou had been but there was no evidence of them now.

  Gather Information: +Wits, investigating a scene +1 from Hound; 5 +2 +1 vs. 6 & 6 => strong hit & opportunity, +2 momentum, now +8
  The opportunity is that there is a trail to follow that lead to the Villain's Lair

Fortunately, there was evidence of a trail that left the clearing in a south-westerly direction. Following it, they reached a dark cavern that disappeared into the dark. Backing off, they made a cold camp for the night, fearing to attract attention from the cavern.

  Note: To all intents and purposes, it's still winter, so no Make Camp move for them here; this cavern is the start of a Delve
  Discover a Site: The Villain's Lair, dangerous Corrupted Cavern

After a miserable night Lili led their prayers, beseeching Vanth and Charun to be with them on their holy task this day.

  Secure an Advantage: +Iron: 3 +3 vs. 5 & 2 => strong hit => +4 momentum (+2 from strong hit, +2 from Devotant asset), now +10 (max)

Leaving Vrusk in a thicket, his harness removed and plenty of fodder nearby, they kindled their torches and entered the cavern, heading into its dark and foreboding depths. The torches created a pitifully small amount of light, but Iron in their Faith, they continued onward ...

  Finding the lair of the Villain, counts as
  Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will end the villain that created the Chimera", progress now 6/10

 stopping here, more soon

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Radulf 18 - The Haunt

The Rite completed, Lili nodded to Radulf. He picked up Odvir, stepped into the circle of the Ward and, reaching its centre, he gently laid Odvir down. He slowly counted to five - his heart was hammering too fast for a reliable count - and then picked Odvir up again. Reaching the edge of the Ward, Radulf began to step over it, when the resistance that Lili had predicted almost pushed him over. If he had not been warned, Radulf was certain it would have knocked him over.

Pushing through the resistance, Radulf saw the ghostly form stripped from Odvir as the Ward forced it to remain inside. As Odvir exited the Ward, he drew in a huge breath and then buried his face in his hands and began crying. Handing the lad to Lili and Sigrid, Radulf picked up his Hammer-of-Charun and turned to face his foe. It was racing around the perimeter of the Ward, trying to escape. He heard Lili and Sigrid behind him taking Odvir to a back room so he would not witness what was to come.

A prayer to Charun upon his lips, Radulf stepped across the Ward.

  Enter the Fray: Formidable foe, facing off; +Heart; 5 +2 vs. 7 & 1 => weak hit => take initiative
  Strike: +Iron +1 Masked; 2 +3 +1 vs. 7 & 8 => miss => lose initiative, -3 Spirit, now 2; progress 0/10
  Mark Failure Track, now 2.25/10
  Clash: +Iron +1 Masked; 3 +3 +1 vs. 4 & 2 => strong hit => take initiative, 2 harm +1 strong hit; progress 3/10

As he crossed the Ward, the Haunt barrelled through Radulf and he felt the coldness of its touch upon his soul, seeming to strip away 'layers' of his very core. Doing his utmost to ignore the feeling that the Haunt had taken part of him, he swung his Greathammer at the creature. The blessings upon the Hammer-of-Charun allowed it to touch the insubstantial form and stopped its flight toward Radulf, parts of it drifting away into nothingness.

  Strike: +Iron +1 Masked; 3 +2 +1 vs. 7 & 6 => miss, burn momentum, now 2 => strong hit => keep initiative, 2 harm +1 strong hit; progress 6/10
  Strike: +Iron +1 Masked; 3 +3 +1 vs. 10 & 8 => miss => lose initiative, -3 Spirit, now 0, 1 overflows to -1 momentum, now +1
  Mark Failure Track, now 2.50/10
  Clash: +Iron +1 Masked; 3 +3 +1 vs. 3 & 2 => strong hit => take initiative, 2 harm +1 strong hit; progress 6/10

Again Radulf struck at the Haunt and again he was rewarded with more of it vanishing, but then it reached its hand into his chest and he felt its hand wrapping around his heart. Its coldness, its desolate emptiness seemed to reach into his heart telling him that he was alone. Charun did not stand with him, Vanth had abandoned him ... no-one would help him ...

But then, as he fell to his knees, black desolation beginning to seize him, he heard Lili's strong, resolute voice calling out to him,"Radulf! You are Charun! Vanth and Charun are with you!"

His faith re-affirmed, Radulf rose and with a shout of "CHARUN GUIDE MY HANDS!", he launched a mighty swing at the Haunt's head.

  Turn the Tide: steal initiative and +1 on next move
  Strike: +Iron +1 Masked +1 Turn the Tide +2 Thunder-Bringer asset (reroll any dice, +2 harm strong hit, but weak hit is a miss); 4 +3 +1 +1 +2 vs. 5 & 2 => strong hit => +1 momentum, now +2, inflict 2 harm, +1 strong hit, +2 Thunder-Bringer; progress 10/10 (max)
  End the Fight: progress 10 vs. 8 & 6 => strong hit

Charun did guide his hands. The Hammer-of-Charun struck the Haunt square in its face and the evil spirit slowly dissipated into nothing. Then Radulf collapsed to the floor, totally spent.

  The defeat of the Haunt is:
  Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will end the villain that created the Chimera", progress now 5/10
  Develop Your Relationship: with Lili; 'formidable', progress now 3/10
  Develop Your Relationship: with Woodwatch; 'troublesome', progress now 3/10

Lili rushed to Radulf's side and helped him to his feet. Together they stumbled to the closest pew, where Radulf collapsed and then he managed to croak, "Give me a moment, please."

By the time Radulf was able to walk, Lili and Sigrid had brought Odvir to join him and they all left the temple for the council hut. By no means recovered, Odvir was at least aware of his surroundings and there was life in his eyes now.

Dawn had come, the snow had stopped and the sun was shining as the group left the Temple-of-Vanth. Entering the hut, Erik leapt to his feet at the sight of his son and rushed to take him from the ladies of the temple. Erik looked questioningly at Lili.

  "He is back in command of himself, Ragnaid is gone," she told the Captain-Warden. "I advise sending a rook to Shashkya at Highfall for advice on how best to care for him," she finished. Turning to the council, Lili said, "We killed the Varou's mystic last night, so I believe that they will withdraw now that their link to the great evil that Odvir encountered is broken. For now, though, Charun Radulf must rest, so we will meet later."

Lili's conclusion was news to Radulf. Odvir must have told her something that he hadn't heard, but honestly, right now he didn't care. He was bone-weary and Lili was right, he needed sleep more than anything. But there was one thing that he must do first - his vow was complete, he must discharge it. As they returned to the Temple-of-Vanth, he told Lili that; she made as if to protest, but seeing the resolve upon his face, agreed.

In the temple, Radulf knelt before Lili and grasped her Holy Sword. "I swear by the Iron of my Faith and the Iron of this Holy Sword, that I have investigated the Varou that attack Woodwatch."

  Fulfill Your Vow: progress 9 vs. 8 & 2 => strong hit => 1xp, +1xp from Bannersworn asset, 2 total

The vow lifted from Radulf and Lili declared, "Holy Vanth concurs," and replaced her sword in its sheath upon the altar. Radulf managed to reach his bed, before collapsing upon it and allowing the oblivion of sleep to claim him.

 

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Radulf 17 - Odvir's Torment

  "NOOOO!!!" came a shout as Radulf and Lili stopped in front of the council hut and Radulf lowered Odvir to the ground. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE??!!!" It was Warden-Captain Erik, running up to them, then falling to his knees and cradling his son.
  "Ragnaid?!" he asked Odvir, "Are you there?!"
  Radulf looked quizically at Lili, "His wife's name," she whispered.
  "No, no, no," repeated Erik, as huge sobs began to wrack his entire body, shoulders heaving as despair seized him. He looked at Radulf and Lili, hatred burning in his eyes. "You've doomed them both, damn you!" and then he bent his head over his son, rocking back and forth.

The Mayor and the rest of the council arrived and eventually Erik was coaxed into the council hut, where Odvir was put into a chair in front of the fire. The village wisewoman was brought and she began dressing Odvir's wound, while Erik was calmed down with the help of restorative brandy.

  Erik is going to share what's going on, but one of his descriptors is Reserved, so I think that a roll is needed; the gather info says that if you act in a community that you have a bond with, you get +1; as I'm using the Starforged connection moves, and Radulf has a connection with Woodwatch, I'm taking the +1; in Starforged connections get +1, bonds +2
  Gather Information: +Wits, +1 connection with Woodwatch; 3 +2 +1 vs. 5 & 4 => strong hit => discover something helpful and specific, +2 momentum, now +5

  "Ragnaid died, you all know that," began Erik slowly, as if he didn't want to share. "Odvir tried to bring her back to Woodwatch, but the foolish boy took too long and she rose." For a moment tears threatened to overwhelm him again, but he forced them back and continued. "He ran. He couldn't bring himself to fight his own mother ... I don't know where he ran but he fell into the clutches of some evil. Some terrible evil." Again he paused.

  "Somehow, this evil took Ragnaid's soul, bound it into Odvir and then sent Ragnaid's body against the village, where it was dismembered and her head boxed - one of those that you rested when you came before," he looked accusingly at Radulf. "Her possessions were given to me and there I found a letter written by Odvir. It said that if I didn't do as I was told, my son would be left with his mother's soul bound to him ... They would war eternally for control of his body - a living hell for my son caused by his mother ... my wife ..."

Silence fell in the room as everyone looked at Odvir and they contemplated the horror that had befallen the Warden-Captain's son.

  Lili knelt by the chair that Erik sat on. "Erik, we can help you and Odvir," she began. Erik looked up at her, trying to fight the hope that he feared was false, kindled in him by her words. "If you'll allow it, we will take Odvir to the temple and perform a ritual." She paused, then continued, "I am very sorry, but we can do nothing for Ragnaid - she is dead and her soul should be at its eternal rest, but I believe we can free Odvir and return his body to him. At least you will have your son back."
  Erik nodded, "Please Priestess. Please save my boy."
  "You must stay here," Lili said to Erik as he moved to stand. "What we must do, would be distressing to you and you must not be allowed to interfere. If you did, it would be very dangerous to all." Erik nodded, reluctantly, and sank back to his chair. "Charun, please bring Odvir to the Temple-of-Vanth." Radulf nodded. The wisewoman had finished with Odvir's leg, so Radulf gently picked him up.

  Discovering the Villain's control of Erik and formulating the plan to free Odvir counts as - Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will end the villain that created the Chimera", progress now 4/10

In the Temple-of-Vanth, Radulf waited while Sigrid laid out a bedroll in front of the altar and he then laid Odvir gently upon it.

  "So what is the plan, Priestess?" he asked Lili, using her title, somewhat reluctantly as Sigrid was with them.
  "First we will perform the Rite of Communion to speak with Ragnaid," answered Lili, "Then we will use the Rite of Ward to force her from Odvir's body."
  "Forgive me," began Radulf, "But why Commune?"
  "We need to establish Ragnaid's ... state," answered Lili. "If she retains ... her 'self', her identity, then she may depart willingly once freed from Odvir. If she does not ... well, then she may manifest as a Haunt, and you will need to put her to Rest." She turned to face Radulf fully. "I suggest that you pray for strength, while Sigrid and I prepare the Rite of Communion." Radulf knelt by the altar and prayed. He prayed hard. Facing a Haunt was not something he looked forward to ...

  Secure an Advantage: +Iron: 2 +3 vs. 4 & 3 => stong hit => +4 momentum (+2 from strong hit, +2 from Devotant asset) now +9
  Note: Although not explicitly mentioned that he removed it, Radulf would not still be wearing his Mask-of-Charun, so does not get the +1 it would've given him

His prayers complete, Radulf stood and studied what Lili and Sigrid were doing. Their preparations completed, the candles surrounding Odvir were lit and the incantations begun, which Radulf did his best to commit to memory.

  The Communion ritual would be good for Radulf providing opportunities for vows, so this is his attempt to learn it

A ghostly insubstantial form manifested in the same space as Odvir.

  Is Ragnaid still Ragnaid? Ask the Oracle: small chance, 91+ yes: 56 no. Oh dear ...

It sat up and turned to face Lili, looking like a middle-aged woman whose family resemblance to Odvir was clear, but then her mouth opened ... and opened - far wider than a human mouth should and began screaming. Radulf could do nothing but clap his hands over his ears - which did nothing to shut out the unearthly wail that the spirit projected as its face twisted into an horrific visage.

Lili though was made of sterner stuff, and somehow managing to ignore the wail that tore through Radulf's head, she simply pinched one of the candles out. The spirit vanished, just as the candle flame had. "Well," said Lili, "We now know that Ragnaid will not depart willingly."
  "Charun Radulf, move the pews back to make as large a space as you can in the temple. Sigrid, clear the Commune Rite materials away," instructed Lili.

Radulf and Sigrid did their tasks. Once there was room, Lili laid out a large circle of salt in the cleared space.

  "Charun Radulf," Lili told him, "Once I have concluded the Rite, you will need to carry Odvir into the centre of the circle. Lay him down and do not touch him for five heartbeats. Then pick him up and carry him out of the circle - be sure you do not break the circle."
  "Priestess," replied Radulf, "I know not to break the circle."
  "Of course you do," answered Lili as condescendingly as she could and Sigrid giggled quietly.   "It will be difficult to exit the circle," continued Lili, serious again. "The act will tear the Haunt out of Odvir and trap it inside the Ward of the circle's salt. You must then re-enter the Ward and put the Haunt to rest. Make yourself ready, while I perform the Rite."

As Lili began the Rite, Radulf readied himself for the coming battle putting on his Mask-of-Charun...

 

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Radulf 16 - A Rescue

Radulf waited and watched the trees near Odvir. Now he could see that Lili was right - Odvir's left leg was missing below the knee - a crudely tied rag around the stump. The boy looked ... well crazed, was the only word Radulf could think of. If half the things he'd heard about the Varou were true, then it would be surprising if the lad hadn't been effected by what he must have seen ...

Then Lili appeared behind Odvir's tree, sneaked up to it and began cutting the ropes. Odvir did not react at all, just stared straight ahead ... Then the ropes were cut, but Odvir still did nothing, just sat staring. After a few moments, Lili came around the tree and started pulling Odvir up - and he began screaming. Even muffled by a gag, it was still enough to stir the Varou and Hyenas that slept beside them ...

  "Speak, Runbjorn," said Radulf as he leapt up and with a mighty cry of "CHARUN!" he charged the nearest Varou swinging his Hammer-of-Charun at its head.

  Enter the Fray: mutiple dangerous foes is a formidable pack; striking without warning; +Shadow; 5 +1 vs. 6 & 1 => weak hit => take initiative
  Strike: +Iron +1 masked; 4 +3 +1 vs. 9 & 3 => weak hit => 2 harm, lose initiative, progress now 2/10
  Clash: +Iron +1 masked; 6 +3 +1 vs. 6 & 6 => strong hit & opportunity => 2 harm +1 strong hit, gain initiative, progress now 5/10
  The opportunity is that the Varou mystic is here - I had envisioned that it was off with the ambush party

Radulf's blow connected with the Varou's head as it was rising to its feet, squarely under its jaw, lifted the creature clean off its feet and it landed in a lifeless heap atop its leanto. With his backswing, Radulf smashed the head of the Hyena that had been sleeping next to the slain Varou into the ground. Turning toward them, Radulf saw that one of two remaining Varou was bedecked with charms and talismans - their mystic was here! He charged the creature before it could use any of its dark magic ...

  Strike: +Iron +1 masked; 1 +3 +1 vs. 9 & 1 => burn momentum, now +2 => strong hit => 2 harm +1 strong hit, keep initiative, progress now 8/10, -1 Health from Masked as rolled a 1, Health now 4
  End the Fight: progress 8 vs. 3 & 1 => strong hit

In his peripheral vision as he closed on the mystic, Radulf saw Runbjorn chewing the throat of one of the Hyenas, but then the mystic was before him raising its staff as if it could parry the Hammer-of-Charun! It learnt its error as the Greathammer smashed first the staff and then its skull. Panting with the exertion, Radulf turned to face the last Varou. It looked at him, the mystic lyind dead at Radulf's feet and turned and ran, the last two Hyenas following it.

Securing the Hammer-of-Charun on his back, Radulf moved to where Lili was still struggling with Odvir. At a loss for what else to do, Radulf lifted Odvir up and put him over his shoulder. "Let's go," he said to Lili and turning to Runbjorn, "Show us the way home boy!"

Following Runbjorn's lead they began their return to Woodwatch. As they ran, well stumbled really, through the snow they began to hear the sounds of the Varou ambushers returning to their camp. At least Odvir had stopped screaming now, but he had made no other noise.

They had reached about half-way back to the village, when the hue and cry of pursuit really began.

  There needs to be some kind of roll here, so I think
  Face Danger: endurance; +Iron +1 Masked; 2 +3 +1 vs. 3 & 1 => strong hit => success, +1 momentum, now +3

One of the Varou's Hyenas was closing on them, until Lili peeled off and removed its foreleg with her holy sword, its blood fountaining across the snow and its howls of pain splitting the night. That seemed to discourage the pursuit ...

By now, Radulf could begin to see the stone walls of Woodwatch appearing through the trees ahead. "Go ahead and wake them up boy," he managed to tell Runbjorn and the Kadaverhund obediently ran toward the gates and let loose his loud baying.

  Lili returned to Radulf's side, "I think the chase has stopped Radulf," she said.
  "Hope so!" Radulf got out between puffs - Odvir was entirely dead weight and that was telling on Radulf as he ploughed through the snow, but he didn't slow down any, much as he wanted too!

They broke from the trees to see that the Wall-Wardens had opened the gates in response to Runbjorn's calls and managed to keep going until they were inside the stone walls and safe.

  Getting back to Woodwatch and dissuading the Varou pursuit is both
  Reach a Milestone: troublesome vow "I will investigate the Varou that attack Woodwatch", progress now 9/10
  Develop Your Relationship: with Lili; 'formidable', progress now 2/10

 

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Radulf 15 - Scouting

Entering the temple, Radulf found Lili talking with Sigrid, her acolyte. Seeing Radulf, Lili dismissed Sigrid and greeted him.

  Does Lili want to go with Radulf on his mission? Ask the Oracle: unlikely, 76+ yes; 87 - yes. Oh. Will she insist? Ask the Oracle: likely, 26+ yes; 33 - yes.

  "Priestess," Radulf began. "I've spoken to Erik. There is definitely something not right with him," he continued, sotto voce. "Something distracts him ... consumes him even." Then at a more normal level, but still quietly, "Anyway, I have a plan."
  "What is it?" Lili asked in the same quiet tone.
  "I've told him I'm going over the wall at midnight. I'll actually go over a watch or so before that - with your help?" he asked.
  "Of course, as I'm coming with you," replied Lili with a smile.
  "What?!?" splutterd Radulf. "You can't - it's too dangerous, we have no idea what's out there!"
  "And that means that it's safe for you and not me?" asked Lili in a far too reasonable tone. In a mock-haughty way, she continued, "Remember, Charun, that I am the Priestess here and you will obey me." She was correct, Radulf had overstepped and Lili was right to remind him, kind even, by delivering the rebuke in a humourous way.
  "Yes, Priestess, you are, of course, correct. I apologise," he said contritely. "We will need someone else to help us as I had hoped that you could pull up the rope we'll use after Runbjorn and I had left."
  "Sigrid can do that for us," dismissed Lili.
  "Good. So, we go over the wall and Sigrid pulls up the rope. Meanwhile we hide ourselves and observe who comes to meet us when we were supposed to go over the wall. We can then follow their tracks back to their camp and see what we find there."
  Lili considered for a moment, then spoke, "That sounds acceptable to me Charun - we shall do that." She couldn't maintain the false superciliousness though, and smiled despite herself. Radulf heartily returned the smile ...

  This happy moment allows Radulf to Devlop Your Relationship with Lili; progress now 1/10
  Note: A 'watch' is about two hours, no wristwatches here

They approached the wall just after the Wall-Warden watch had changed for the last watch before midnight. Lili, went up to speak to the warden first, admonishing her to tell no-one of what was about to occur. Finished speaking to the Warden, she singalled for the others to join her. Moving rapidly, they enacted the plan without speaking - all knew their part, and soon Radulf, Lili and the ever-faithful Runbjorn were moving toward the treeline where they would hide to see who came. The snow had slackened, but still fell, so their tracks would soon be obscured, if not hidden completely.

  Enacting the plan counts as
  Reach a Milestone: troublesome vow "I will investigate the Varou that attack Woodwatch", progress now 3/10

Radulf arrayed the white sheet they had brought arpund them and the three huddled close, both for warmth and to decrease their silhouette. They did not have too long to wait before their suspicions were confirmed - they could see Varou and their attendant Hyenas approach through the woods and the would-be ambushers arrayed themselves near the edge of the trees where they could observe the village unseen.

Carefully, slowly, the trio moved further into the woods and gradually circled around to bisect the way the Varou had approached Woodwatch. They found the trail and after Radulf had instructed Runbjorn to take the scent - as insurance, they backed off and paralleled the track back the way it came.

  Using Runbjorn to
  Gather Information: +Wits, +1 Hound; 4 +2 +1 vs. 6 & 3 => strong hit => the path is clear, +2 momentum, now 10 (max)

They followed the tracks and before long, Runbjorn's low growl warned them that they had closed upon it. Lili, being far better at stealth than Radulf stole away for a closer look. Radulf said a prayer to Charun, donned his Mask-of-Charun and readied his Hammer-of-Charun.

  As explained at the start of post 14 Radulf now has Masked Ironwood; this is the first time he's used it and it gives +1 on any roll using Iron but, if he rolls a 1 on the action die, he suffers -1 Health in addition to any other move outcome

Lili was soon back, putting her mouth close to Radulf's ear, "Follow me," she whispered. So he did as quietly as he could, which to be honest, wasn't very quiet.

Nevertheless, they managed to get to a point where they could observe the Varou camp - themselves apparently unseen. It was a mess. Rubbish littered a clearing where makeshift lean-tos had been constructed for shelter. The lean-tos were mainly empty - Radulf could see three sleeping Varou. But Lili was pointing to something else. At the far side of the camp there was a human youth tied to a tree. Leaning close to radulf again, Lili whispered, "That's Erik's son - we all believed he died when his mother did." They withdrew slightly to discuss their next step.

  Investigating the Varou camp and finding they have leverage on Erik is
  Reach a Milestone: troublesome vow "I will investigate the Varou that attack Woodwatch", progress now 6/10

  Whispering, their heads close together, Lili began, "You saw Odvir's leg? Missing below the knee?" Radulf winced - he hadn't. "He'll need help to walk, or maybe even need to be carried."
&nbps; "Very well," replied Radulf, "You circle around and free him, I'll watch from this side, as soon as one of them stirs, I'll charge. You get Odvir away, and I'll join you as soon as I can." Initially, Lili made to protest, but then nodded, albeit reluctantly. "As soon as I can, I'll send Runbjorn on to lead you," added Radulf, "but I need him for the initial assault." Lili nodded again and started to move off. Then she stopped and turned back to Radulf.
  "Be careful my mighty Charun," she said laying her hand softly on Radulf's. Then she turned and was gone into the woods.

 

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Radulf 14 - A Suspect

  Kicking off with some housekeeping; reaching Woodwatch constitutes
  Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will end the villain that created the Chimera", progress now 2/10
  I'm dissatisified with the Ironclad asset. Comparing it to the Starforged version Armored, it definitely seems underpowered and has the encumbered debility, which no other asset, IIRC, has. So I'm going to 'hand it back' and take Masked - Bloodwood instead (ignoring the Elf bond requirement) to represent Radulf's Mask-of-Charun. As the encumbered debility no longer applies, I'm putting his momentum to +10 as I've overflowed it twice

  "I do not know - yet," replied Radulf to Lili's question. "But we will find out."
  "If you will excuse us, Mayor, Captain. I need to stow my gear and will return directly. Priestess, if you would?" Radulf gestured in the direction of the temple; Lili nodded and led the way, Runbjorn sniffing at her, glad to make a new friend.

  Once inside the temple, Radulf gave voice to his fear. "If it were an intelligent Restless behind this, I would fear that there was a Thrall in the village, Priestess, but I do not believe that a Varou mystic would be able to possess someone in that way. What do you think?"
  "First, call me Lili, when we are alone," she replied with a radiant smile, then became serious. "I agree, I've not heard of Varou creating a Thrall, nor a Chimera for that matter. Do you think that they are related?" Lili asked in a low voice
  "Lili," Radulf replied, liking the way her name sounded as he said it for the first time. "On the surface - no. That's not to say that there is not a conspiracy between the Varou and a mystic of some sort." As he had been speaking, Radulf had removed his pack and the other travelling gear he did not need. "I am ready, shall we return to the others?"
  "Yes," replied Lili, and they left the temple.

  This moment of intimacy seems perfect to connect with Lili; I see this as a complicated, important, relationship for Radulf, so I'm giving it the rank of formidable
  Make a Connection: +Heart; 6 +2 vs. 7 & 6 => strong hit => Lili, Priestess-of-Vanth in Woodwatch, formidable, progress 0/10

As they walked to the council hut, there were no sounds of fighting and they found the rest of the council discussing the situation inside the hut. There seemed to be no agreement on what to do and Lili joined the discussion, while Radulf went to the fire and warmed his hands. That was a cover - a way of listening without contributing. Radulf believed that it was not his place to contribute - yet; it was for the Council-of-Five to decide upon a plan of action and for him as a Charun to help enact that plan.

  Names, job and descriptors for the rest of the council
Chief-of-Crafts: Hemingr, wheelwright; Vindictive, Blunt, Tactless
First-Merchant: Piritta, carter; Intelligent, Pro-active, Fixated

Captain Erik was reticent, practically silent, which, given his role, Radulf found surprising. Mayor Birgitta, a large blonde goodwife, was trying to build consensus, hoping to get something decided. Hemingr, the wheelwright who had only recently become Chief-of-Crafts, seemed determined to get the wardens killed, demanding they launch an attack upon the Varou next time they appeared. However, Piritta, the carter and First-Merchant, seemed to have the best idea. She wanted to learn more about what was going on, and proposed that during the night, someone should slip over the wall and spy on the Varou camp.

Radulf noticed that Runbjorn was stock-still, watching the Warden-Captain, seeming to be fixated upon him. Glancing at Erik, Radulf saw he was just watching the other council members, still offering nothing to the discussion. This was very strange for a Warden, never mind the Warden-Captain. Perhaps it was just his way? He would ask Lili when they were alone.

Mayor Birgitta, it seemed had finally managed to get an agreement; they would follow Piritta's plan, although Hemingr gave way with bad grace.

  "I will do it," Radulf offered before they could begin arguing about who would go. The Mayor turned to him.
  "Thank-you Charun Radulf, we'll leave it to you to and meet again in the morning to discuss what you learn," she said.

The council went their seperate ways and Lili, Radulf and Runbjorn returned to the Temple-of-Vanth. Once there, Radulf began to prepare himself for the night's mission, prevailing upon Lili for what he was missing.

  Resupply: +Heart; 6 +2 vs. 2 & 1 => strong hit => +2 supply, now 4

  "Lili," Radulf began, "Is Erik always that quiet? I noticed that he said hardly anything at all."
  "His wife died during the summer. Unfortunately, circumstances caused her to rise as a Restless," the beautiful priestess replied, scratching Runbjorn's ears as she knelt beside the hound in front of the fire. "He has not been the same since. He was always quiet, but over the last couple of months, he's been positively silent by comparison."
  "Interesting," mused Radulf. "If you approve, I would like to swear before Vanth and Charun for what I must do tonight. Having their approval would be of great aid to me."
  "Of course, Radulf, an excellent notion," and they went before the altar, where Radulf knelt to swear his vow upon Lili's holy sword.
  "I swear upon the Iron of my Faith and the Iron of this Holy Sword, that I will investigate the Varou that attack Woodwatch."

  Swear an Iron Vow: +Heart (Bannersworn gives re-roll any dice, if needed) : 4 +2 vs 10 & 4, re-roll 10, get 3 => strong hit => +2 momentum, now +10 (max); troublesome vow

  The vow sworn, Radulf asked Lili, "Priestess, have you kept up your sword-training?"
  Lili feigned indignance, "Of course Charun! Is it not one of the Duties? 'The sword is an extension of the Priestess and must become one with her'," she quoted the commandment at Radulf.
  "Indeed," answered Radulf, "But, shall we say, some Priestesses are more one with their sword than others? As we are to train together, I wanted to know where we would begin." He paused and checked his equipment briefly. "Now, with your leave, Runbjorn and I must go." Lili nodded and Radulf, with Runbjorn following, left the temple intending to have a talk with Warden-Captain Erik.

  Radulf has a suspect, so I'm calling this
  Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will end the villain that created the Chimera", progress now 3/10

He found Erik atop the wall above the gate, staring blankly at the falling snow, the encroaching dusk decreasing the visibilty further.

  "Warden-Captain," said Radulf. He had to say it again before Erik stirred and turned to him.
  "Yes, Charun?" he replied, still sounding distracted.
  "I intend to leave at midnight, if that has your approval? Do you have any notion where the Varou camp might be?"
  "Midnight is fine. That way," the Warden-Captain gestured vaguely south-westwards, and turned back to his contemplation of the snow.

Feeling entirely dissatisfied with the Captain, Radulf returned to the temple to plot with Lili.

 

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Radulf 13 - An Old Friend

  As Radulf, Runbjorn and Vrusk are travelling to Woodwatch in mid-winter, I'm going to make it a journey; due to the heavily patrolled nature of the area - although it is less so in winter - it will be troublesome
  Undertake a Journey: +Wits; 4 +2 vs. 9 & 4 => weak hit => mark progress, now 3/10, -1 Supply, now 4

Halfway. Radulf was thoroughly bored with this place. His fourth visit to this place now in the last... was it 6? or 8? weeks. Either way it was too many. At least this time, with Vrusk and not Otaan, it would be easier cleaning out the stable in the morning.

That morning came and Radulf was able to set out considerably earlier than the previous times he had stayed at Halfway. It was not a propitious morning however, as the heavy clouds were threatening to unleash the snow that they obviously carried.

  Undertake a Journey: +Wits; 5 +2 vs. 10 & 4 => weak hit => mark progress, now 6/10, -1 Supply, now 3

By the time Radulf and his companions had got half-way to Woodwatch, the snow had arrived and it was heavy. Thankfully, there was virtually no wind, so although cold, the conditions were bearable. Vrusk was proving to be just as reliable and steadfast as Otaan always was, but he was nowhere near as clever, tending to just fight his way through drifts and obstacles rather than avoiding them as Otaan would. Perhaps it was the lack of height to see 'round them? It was strange the things Radulf found himself considering when trudging through snow for hours ...

  Undertake a Journey: +Wits; 3 +2 vs. 7 & 2 => weak hit => mark progress, now 9/10, -1 Supply, now 2
  Reach Your Destination: Progress 9 vs. 4 & 2 => strong hit => +1 on next move!

Radulf was grateful that the rest of his journey was uneventful - at least until he got close to Woodwatch ... then he saw the smoke rising from the village ...

  I have to thank Drakonspyre on the Ironsworn discord server for the inspiration for what comes next - thanks my friend!

Breaking into a run, Radulf whistled Runbjorn up and pulled on Vrusk's harness, trying to get to the village as fast as he could. From the woods to his right, he could hear the all-too-familiar yaps of Hyenas ... Luckily though, they seemed far off and Radulf hoped to get to the village before the Hyenas reached him. Ahead he could hear shouts from the wall-wardens and, beautiful to Radulf's eyes, the gates beinning to open for him.

Head down, concentrating on reaching the safety of the gate, Radulf clung to Vrusk's harness exploiting the Bison's strength to help him through the snow. From above came the twang of bowstrings, and then, from behind, he heard the scream of a Hyena, obviously struck by the arrows launched from the wall. And then he was through the gate, the wardens were closing it with a loud thunk, followed by the blessed sound of the massive bar falling into place.

Waiting for Radulf by the council's hut were Lili, Priestess-of-Vanth and Mayor Birgitta and they were joined by Warden-Captain Erik as Radulf approached

  Mayor Birgitta's descriptors: Warm-hearted, Organised, Gregarious
  Warden-Captain Erik's descriptors: Cold-hearted, Sad, Reserved

Varou Warrior

  "Radulf!" exclaimed Lili, "It is you!" and she rushed forward to embrace him - not an easy task with Radulf waearing armour and his bulky fur coat. Seeming to realise what she had just done, Lili leapt backwards turning a very attractive shade of pink, Radulf thought.
  "Mayor, Warden-Captain," Radulf nodded to each, noting both the smile on the Mayor's face and the sneer on the Captain's. "What happened?"
  The Mayor indicated the Captain should speak. "The Varou attacked yesterday." He indicated the two smouldering buildings, the source of the smoke Radulf had seen. "They used flaming arrows to fire those homes before we knew they were there and tried to scale the walls as the wardens organised the fire-fighting. They took Snorri." He paused and continued in a flat tone, "His screams lasted almost the whole night."
  "Yes ... well," said the Mayor after an awkward pause. "We expected you yesterday Radulf and thought that they had caught you on the road. It seems that, luckily for you, something delayed you?"
  Embarrassed, Radulf chose not to answer and asked his own question, "That seems ... coincidental ... Was there anything unusual about the Varou?"
  "Their leader," answered the Captain. "It's left arm was crippled - it hung at its side like a dead branch on a tree."
  "And it was tall? Bright blue shoulder-length braids on the left?" asked Radulf. At the Captain's nod, Radulf explained, "I fought and defeated this cowardly monster near Highfall, apparently crippling it in the fight. It must have learnt I was coming and planned to take me on the road."
  "But Radulf," asked Lili, "How could it possibly know when you would arrive?"

 

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Radulf 12 - Training

  Starting with a dice roll this time; as Radulf is at Health 4 and Spirit 4, he will:
  Sojourn: +Heart; 5 +2 vs. 6 & 5 => strong hit => choose Heal & Hearten
  Heal: +3 Health, now 5 (max)
  Hearten: +3 Spirit, now 5 (max)

Radulf descended the stairs of the Citadel-Temple to visit the Vaults-of-Interment. As usual, Keeper-of-the-Vaults Oddvar was sat upon the stool behind his lectern. Keeper Oddvar confirmed for Radulf that the urns he had delivered had been interred and Radulf, all his duties completed, was left to his own devices. Well, he would have been, but the Lady's papers now had to be discharged.

So, as he slowly ascended from the vaults, he reviewed the papers Lady Sibila had given him. There were three: first to deliver would be the one for the Temple-Majordomo, instructing larger quarters for Radulf; second was for the Temple-Armourer authorising the permanent regalia (including armour, Hammer-of-Charun, Sword-of-Vanth, Mask-of-Charun) plus armour- and weapon-stand be delivered to the new quarters. Finally, there was the paper for the Temple-Houndmaster instructing him to allow Radulf to choose a Kadaverhund.

Anticipating no problems, both the Temple-Majordomo and Temple-Armourer were visited successfully and accepted the papers without issue. Radulf's meagre possessions would be moved and one of the temple servants would confirm his new quarters' location to him later in the day - the regalia would be delivered there too.

The Kadaverhund would not be so simple however. The Temple-Houndmaster, Gunnvor, told Radulf the process would last several days. Essentially, Radulf would meet the pack and then over those days, one of the pack would choose Radulf - this was the bonding the Lady had mentioned. If none of the pack chose him, then no matter the Lady's instructions, Radulf would have no hound. So Radulf began the process under Gunnvor's instruction.

  I have no idea whether Gunnvor will be important in the story, but lets get some descriptors: Reserved, Intelligent, Humble - I like this guy! Let's give him a goal: 'Discover the truth of their past'; well that's interesting, I'll make use of that in the future, but not now

A week passed. Thankfully the thanksgiving service had been bearable and Radulf had settled into his new quarters in the Hall-of-the-Charuns where he now had a decent-sized room and not the cramped cell that he previously occupied in the Hall-of-Trainees.

Runbjorn

He now shared his life with Runbjorn the Kadaverhund, his wonderful new friend. Radulf felt genuinely privileged that Runbjorn had chosen him and found that just being with the dog made him feel happier - he already couldn't imagine being without Runbjorn.

Radulf started training (wearing the full armour of his regalia) with Runbjorn so that they could learn to co-ordinate their efforts effectively. His training in the Faith also resumed, but now at a level up to match his new position of Charun. That training was now mainly in doctrine and dogma - something that Radulf found it hard to be interested in, so he was soon looking forward to leaving for Woodwatch.

  I think it's time to see what the menace 'Plots of the Villain' is doing:
  Advance a Threat: roll d100 = > 93 => threat makes a dramatic and immediate move, or a major event reveals new complications. Mark menace twice; oh dear ... I'll reveal what form this takes in the story when Radulf gets to Woodwatch. In the same vein though, Radulf has been training for his Holy Task, so
  Reach a Milestone: formidable vow "I will end the villain that created the Chimera", progress now 1/10

The Midwinter Festival came and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It was a celebration of life and the knowledge that the spring was now closer - half of winter had been endured. The worst of the winter may not have come yet, but the end was in sight. This year Radulf managed to become far more drunk than he had ever been before which delayed his departure for a day and earned him a penance from Priestess Ylva. As, very hungover, he mucked out his stall, Radulf was certain that Otaan was laughing at him behind his trunk.

His penance discharged, Radulf requisitioned a Bison for to carry the supplies provided for him and Runbjorn. Vrusk, a steer, was assigned to Radulf and the animal's quiet strength was immediately apparent to Radulf - he was a fitting substitute for Otaan.

His supplies loaded upon Vrusk and Runbjorn at his side, Radulf felt like he could take on the world as he left Templemount in the morning's bright sunshine for Woodwatch ...

 

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Radulf 11 - The Lady

  This one got away from me. I had no idea how this conversation would go before I started writing it, but once I had started, it just came right out; unfortunately, it turned into a wall of text! I hope you can get through it, I think it's worth it

At his knock, a voice from behind the door responded, "Come." Radulf opened the door to Lady Sibila's office and entered, closing the door behind him. His initial reaction was surprise -at the relative plainness and small size of the office of the most powerful person in the region.

But then his eyes fell upon Lady Sibila. Radulf's departure on his first Charun patrol had been the first time that he had been close to the Lady, but then he had been so nervous that he had not really taken the time to actually look at her. She was beautiful. More beautiful than anyone he had ever seen. But not in a warm inviting way like Lili, the Priestess in Woodwatch - beatiful in a regal, powerful way, almost frightening. Her age merely added to her beauty - the faint beginnings of crow's feet at the corners of her eyes were an intriguing detail - not in any way a detraction.

Even as he stood there, these unbidden thoughts sprinting through his mind, Radulf realised that it was for him to announce himself, so trying to regain his composure, he did. "My Lady, you wanted to see me."

  "Yes, Radulf. I do," she replied. "But first, I believe that you have a letter for me from Priestess Lili?" Radulf approached the desk and handed over the letter - Lady Sibila broke the seal and read it.
  "It seems that you have an admirer Radulf. Lili is fulsome in her praise of your valour and heroism." Radulf began to protest, but with a disarming smile, Lady Sibila continued, "Hush Radulf, I merely tease you. For a man of your relative inexperience to confront - and defeat no less - a Chimera is a remarkable feat of Faith and Arms. You are to be congratulated - and we will do that tomorrow."
  "Tomorrow my Lady?" asked Radulf.
  "Yes, we will have a service of thanksgiving and praise to Our Lady and her faithful Charun to celebrate your victory." A look of acute embarassment formed on Radulf's face.
  "But my Lady, I do not deserve such praise," Radulf said. "It was Charun that enabled the victory."
  "I can see that you have much to learn Radulf," replied the First-Priestess-of-Vanth. "The service will be about your feat, but it is really to inspire our brethren, so that with a Faith of Iron they will know what can be achieved, even by one so young as you. So it will happen regardless of your desire."

  "But, I did not summon you to discuss tomorrow's service," she continued. "What do you know about the origins of a Chimera?"
  "Its origin? Nothing my Lady, that was not covered in our classes on the Restless," replied Radulf.
  "It is not something known by many and the Faith has decided that that is the best policy," the Lady's tone indicated that she was not in agreement. She went on, "The Chimera has nothing to do with the great plague that causes the Restless to stir. It is deliberately created through vile magic. So you understand what this means?"
  After a moment's pause to think, Radulf replied, "Yes my Lady. The person who created the Chimera is still out there and must be dealt with." The smile that graced Lady Sibila's face brightened Radulf's heart.
  "Indeed Radulf. And your reward for defeating the Chimera, is to find that villain and destroy them. I declare that this foul act has made this villain anathema to all that our Faith stands for." The Lady's eyes blazed briefly with the righteous fury this villain kindled within her. "We cannot suffer them to continue." She stood and lifted her personal sword from its stand behind her.

  "You will now swear upon my sword to end this villain," and she came around the desk to hold her sword before Radulf.
  Radulf knelt before the First-Priestess-of-Vanth, held the blade in his bare right hand and spoke his vow, "I swear upon the Iron of my Faith and the Iron of this Holy Sword, that I will end the villain that created the Chimera."

  So. This is a difficult job - the reward for over-achieving! I'm making this a formidable vow.
  Swear an Iron Vow: +Heart (Bannersworn gives re-roll any dice, if needed) : 6 +2 vs 8 & 7, re-roll 8, get 6 => strong hit => +2 momentum, now +9 (maxed); formidable vow: "I will end the villain that created the Chimera"

  "Thank-you Radulf," the Lady said, "You have passed my test. If you had refused or hesitated, I would not have held it against you, but your Faith is Iron and you swore the vow unhesitatingly - Iron in your belief that Charun would guide you. I am most pleased." She replaced her sword and sat behind her desk once more.

  "The winter is here now. You will begin your Holy Duty after the first thaw of spring," she began. "Until then, continue your training here. You will permanently draw full Charun regalia as your personal equipment, select a Kadaverhund and bond with it. Understood?"
  Radulf hoped that he hid his surprise - permanent regalia?! and a Kadaverhund?! "Yes my Lady."
  "After the Midwinter Festival, go to Woodwatch and train with Priestess Lili as this Holy Task will be hers to fulfill as well."
  "Of course, my Lady," replied Radulf feeling somewhat overwhelmed.
  "Here are the papers necessary for your instructions." She held out the papers and looked Radulf directly in the eye, holding his gaze. "Understand Radulf, you have done well and, as I said, I am most pleased. You may go."
  Radulf took the papers, bowed and left.

  Some game mechanical things to do now:
  Lady Sibila's descriptors; I didn't want to generate these, I wanted them to come out through the conversation, and I will assign: Regal, Calm, Powerful
  Advance: spend 3xp for Companion Hound asset with the ability Sharp
  I'm going to assign a threat to Radulf's new vow called 'Plots of the Villain'; IIRC, I've not used a threat before and this is a great opportunity to do so

 

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Radulf 10 - Back Home

  Upto this point, I have been using the challenging stat array (4,3,3,2,2) from Ironsworn Lodestar. However, I have increasingly felt that the game did not have the same level of difficulty as my first game, so I have changed Radulf's stats to use the normal array (3,2,2,1,1) by the expedient of taking one from each - see his character sheet to see how that feels. I may change it back at some point.

When Radulf came back to himself - he must have been unconscious - he was on a bed in the Temple-of-Vanth, with Lili, the Priestess dozing on a chair at the foot of the bed.

  "Priestess," he said, bringing Lili out of her doze. "How long has it been?"
  "A whole day Radulf," she replied. "You fought the Chimera during the night before the one that has just finished. Rooks have been sent and a reply has returned." She stood and came to the side of the bed, sitting on it, and put a hand on Radulf's forehead, continuing, "As soon as you are well enough, you are to return to Templemount and report to the First-Priestess-of Vanth, Lady Sibila." She stood. "It seems your fever has broken, which is good. I'll see to some food for you."

  Descriptors for Lili - Doomed, Amicable, Romantic; what an intriguing combination!
  As Radulf is currently at 1 Health & 1 Spirit, I think Radulf's recovery is an excellent time to Sojourn: +Heart; 4 +2 vs. 5 & 3 => strong hit => select Heal (+3 Health, now 4), Hearten (+3 Spirit, now 4)

It was another full day before Radulf was able to walk unaided and when he was able to leave the Temple-of-Vanth, he was embarrassed by the acclaim with which the villagers greeted him. They seemed to consider him a hero, but Radulf believed that he had only done his Duty and reluctantly at that. Without his Iron Faith and the strength that Charun had lent him, he would have run screaming from the Chimera, as would any sane man.

Radulf spent another day recovering before he was finally confident enough to face the prospect of the return journey. Lili had given him a letter for First-Priestess Lady Sibila expanding upon the brief report she had sent by Rook. As he left the Temple-of-Vanth, he found the whole village turned out to farewell him - which they did, cheering him to the rafters.

  This seems a good reason to Make a Connection: Woodwatch, western village, troublesome, progress 0/10
  Also, as Radulf is leaving Woodwatch, his last stop on his first Charun patrol, more progress on his vow "I will complete my first patrol as Charun"
  Reach a Milestone: dangerous vow , progress now 8/10

Radulf's intention was to stay the night at Halfway (yet again) and continue to Templemount in the morning. He had heard rumours that a direct road between Templemount and Woodwatch was going to be constructed in the spring - but that rumour had been doing the rounds for years now. It would halve the travel time, so Radulf hoped it would be built at some point. Idle musings like these occupied his mind as he trudged his way through the snow. As usual Otaan was a tower of strength and Radulf kept ahold of the Mammoth's harness drawing on the indefatigable animal's strength to supplement his own.

They reached Halfway without incident, arriving in the late afternoon.

  Is there anyone at Halfway this time? I'll rate it as likely this time
  Ask the Oracle? 26+ is Yes - 18, so no

Once more, somewhat surprisingly, Halfway was empty. Having previously finished all the work needed there, Radulf simply went to bed. The journey from Woodwatch had been much more tiring than Radulf had expected - he was obviously not as recovered as he had thought. A good night's sleep did him a world of good and the next morning, after his prayers, he set out with Otaan in good spirits, looking forward to returning home.

  Secure an Advantage: +Iron: 3 +3 vs. 9 & 3 => weak hit => +3 momentum (+1 from weak hit, +2 from Devotant asset), now +9 (max)
  Undertake a Journey: +Wits; 4 +2 vs. 5 & 4 => strong hit => mark progress, now 9/10
  Reach Your Destination: 9 progress vs. 8 & 4 => strong hit => +1 on next move

Nearing Templemount, the road became busier. For the first time in days, there were other people on the roads - some of whom Radulf knew, but as he was Charun, he could not greet them personally. Radulf and Otaan reached the gates and entered the fortress-town of Templemount. Leading Otaan to the gates of the Citadel-Temple, the brothers of the temple removed the urns from the sledge and took them away to their final rest. Later, as the last Duty in his role as Charun, Radulf would have to check the urns had been interred properly, but he had other Tasks first. He saw to Otaan, thanking the Mammoth for his strength and formally returned the animal to the stable-keepers

  Radulf has finished his first Charun patrol, so progress on the vow "I will complete my first patrol as Charun"
  Reach a Milestone: dangerous vow , progress now 10/10

Otaan back with his comrades, Radulf's next stop was the armoury where his Hammer-of-Charun was deposited - with the necessary prayers of thanks - for reconsecration and maintenance. And then the penultimate task - to the Citadel-Temple-of-Vanth and the resolution of his Vow.

In the Citadel-Temple, Priestess Ylva stood before the altar, waiting for Radulf. As required, he wore his Mask-of-Charun and knelt before Ylva, grasped her Holy Sword, and spoke, "I swear by the Iron of my Faith and the Iron of this Holy Sword, that I have given salt to the needy and collected those who made their final journey."

  Fulfill Your Vow: progress 10 vs. 2 & 1 => strong hit => 2xp, +1xp from Bannersworn asset, 3 total

The vow lifted from Radulf and Ylva declared, "holy Vanth concurs," and replaced her sword in its sheath. "First-Priestess Lady Sibila awaits you in her office. Go to her when you have returned the Mask-of-Charun," she instructed Radulf.

Radulf did as instructed, returning the Mask-of-Charun to the vault where it too would be reconsecrated, cleaned and made ready for the next wearer. Then he ascended the stairs to Lady Sibila's office - somewhere he had never been before ...

 

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