Session Played: 2024-07-01
Year 486
Scene 1
Scene: Interrupting Correspondence
Character: Sir Gwyn of Woodford
Dramatis Personae: Hyfaidd & Saxon Scout
Location: Forest west of Vagon Castle
Action Weaken
Theme Leader
This will be a solo scenario for Sir Gwyn. I rolled on the action & theme oracles from Ironsworn.
The results were: Action Weaken & Theme Leader.
I interpret this as Saxon spies have been sighted traveling through Salisbury. Sir Elad have dispatched knights to ambush such parties.
Spring on the border of Salisbury. Gwyn and a few other knights had been dispatched by Sir Elad to patrol the area surrounding Vagon. The knights had spread out to increase the chance of ambushing these swift moving saxon spies.
Sir Gwyn, and his squire Hyfaidd, had found a decent spot near a road. Their camp was reasonably well hidden in a natural clearing. The weather had been dreadful for the past few days and the pair had mostly taken shelter in the hollow of an oak tree.
As Hyfaidd was away watching the road it had fallen to Gwyn to make his own fire. He poked and prodded the little fire. A strip of dry salted beef lay next to it. Hungry as he was, the meal didn’t entice him much.
“Sir! Sir, come quick!” Hyfaidd came running through the underbrush. His squire was sixteen and had an awkward gait. The boy had grown a few inches since joining Gwyn’s service and clearly he wasn’t fully comfortable.
“What have you seen?” Gwyn cast a furtive glance at the strip of beef before stamping out the burgeoning fire.
“A saxon, I think. Tall and on a horse.” Panting Hyfaidd had grabbed the reins of Trojan, Gwyn’s trusty war horse.
“Alone?” Gwyn asked and his squire nodded. Quickly he mounted the war horse and took his helmet from Hyfaidd.
“Watch the camp, head for Vagon if I don’t return soon.” Gwyn rode of in the direction of the road.
Gwyn rolls Horsemanship 15, roll 12 vs. Saxon Scout Awareness 15, roll 15
Saxon Scout WinsAs the large war horse trots onto the dirt road it breaks twigs and branches. Several yards away Gwyn sees the Saxon already spurring his horse forward.
“Damn, he’s got the eyes of an eagle!” Gwyn curses and spurs Trojan forward. In hot pursuit of the rider through the forest.
He can see the saxon wearing a short sleeved chainmail underneath a loosely fitted green tunic. A red round shield painted with white runes and an axe is by the riders side. Gwyn’s horse charges after, trying to make up the distance.
Gwyn Passion roll Fealty(Lord) 16, roll 6 = success, Inspired Horsemanship +10Gwyn thinks of his duty to Salisbury and of the Earl who raised him to knighthood
Gwyn rolls Horsemanship 15(+10 Inspired), roll 18 vs. Saxon Scout Horsemanship 10, roll 10
Tie, critical success vs. critical successThe riders spur their horses, despite Gwyn’s excellent training he is unable to catch up to the rider.
Oracle, will the saxon throw a javelin?
4 vs. 3 = Yes, weak
The saxon will throw a javelin but only has one.A javelin comes flying from the saxon as Gwyn rides forward
Saxon Scout Javelin 10, roll 17 vs. Gwyn Sword 15, roll 10
Gwyn winsGwyn holds out his shield and spurs Trojan to the left as the javelin flies past him.
Gwyn rolls Horsemanship 8(+5 Inspired), roll 12 vs. Saxon Scout Horsemanship 5*, roll 5
Saxon Scout wins
Divided both character’s value and bonus in half due to defending vs. attacking this round.The Saxon’s horse pushes hard and Gwyn is astonished to see that his hated foe is beginning to slip his grasp. But he knows a small rocky stream crosses the road ahead. He still has a chance to catch up.
Gwyn rolls Horsemanship 15(+10 Inspired), roll 11 vs. Stream Obstacle = Success
Saxon Scout Horsemanship 10, roll 2 vs. Stream Obstacle = Success
Both succeed, no negative modifier on the next rollBiting hard as he sees the Saxon’s horse make the leap across the stream. Trojan gallops forward and with ease leaps the stream.
Gwyn rolls Horsemanship 15(+10 Inspired), roll 20 vs. Saxon Scout Horsemanship 10, roll 1
Gwyn winsGwyn is finally starting to catch up to his foe. He sees the Saxon whip his head around. The Saxon has a stern expression and a long mustache. A finally push could get them into arms length.
Gwyn rolls Horsemanship 15(+10 Inspired), roll 20 vs. Saxon Scout Horsemanship 10, roll 9
Gwyn winsWith his sword in one hand the reins in the other he manages to catch up to the saxon warrior. They are side by side as they begin to hack at each other.
Gwyn rolls Sword 15, roll 18 vs. Saxon Scout Axe 14(-4 Horsemanship 10 limit, roll 15
Tie
Player Note: Forgot that swords destroys axe's on a tie. Both combatants slow their horses from a gallop as they swing at each other. Neither lands a decisive blow.
“Yield Saxon and my lord will spare you!” Gwyn shouts at the saxon, only now seeing that the man towers over him in size. The saxon raises his axe in reply, preparing to swing.
Gwyn rolls Sword 15, roll 17 vs. Saxon Scout Axe 14(-4 Horsemanship 10 limit, roll 1
Saxon wins, 5d6 damage roll 23 -10(armor) = 13 vs. Major Wound 16 = No Major Wound 23 damage vs. knockdown 12 = knockdown roll
Gwyn rolls Horsemanship 15(+10 Inspired) 20 = critical successThe axe bites deep into Gwyn’s shoulder, but the chainmail keeps it from biting too deep. Gritting through the pain he struggles to stay in the saddle.
Gwyn Passion roll Hate(Saxon) 16, roll 6 = success, Inspired Sword +10
Gwyn rolls Sword 15(+10), roll 13 vs. Saxon Scout Axe 14(-4 Horsemanship 10 limit, roll 5
Gwyn wins, 4d6 damage roll 7 -12(armor+shield) = 0With a deep war cry Gwyn strikes but the saxon shield interposes his blade. He feels weak after the blow he received, but his hatred spurs him on.
Gwyn rolls Sword 15(+10), roll 6 vs. Saxon Scout Axe 14(-4 Horsemanship 10 limit, roll 11
Gwyn wins, 4d6 damage roll 9 -6(armor) = 3 vs. Major Wound 14 = No Major Wound
9 damage vs. knockdown 16 = no knockdown roll
Saxon current HP 27A glancing blow against the large saxon, but not enough to wound. His foe spits in anger and the fight continues as their horses have slowed to an uneven trot.
Gwyn rolls Sword 15(+10), roll 20 vs. Saxon Scout Axe 14(-4 Horsemanship 10 limit), roll 13
Gwyn wins, 4d6x2 damage roll 40 -6(armor) = 34 vs. Major Wound 14 = Major Wound
40 damage vs. knockdown 16 = automatic knockdown
Saxon current HP 0With a mighty yell Gwyn batters aside the shield and strikes his foe down. The Saxon falls out of his horse, chainmail streaked with blood.
Gwyn Merciful 10, roll 15 = roll Cruel
Gwyn Cruel 10, roll 13 = failureGwyn feels no real pity as he gets off his horse and sees the dying man. With a sigh he tears a strip of cloth from his fallen foes cloak and tries to save the mans life.
“You better talk if you live.” Gwyn mutters to the dying man.
Gwyn rolls First Aid 16 = failureDespite his best efforts the wound is too great. The sword cleaved through the saxons collarbone and blood pours from his mouth. A few ragged breaths is all the saxon has left.
Sweat pours down Gwyns face as he takes off his helm and places it on the ground.
Gwyn rolls Horsemanship 15, roll 19 = failureThe Saxon’s horse flees into the forest before Gwyn has a chance to calm the horse. He hauls the dead man up on on his horse.
Hyfaidd looks worried as Gwyn dismounts in the little camp. Together they lay the Saxon scout down on the forest floor. Hyfaidd helps Gwyn to take of his armor and begins to bandage his wounded shoulder. A large swelling of purple and black is already showing.
Hyfaidd rolls First Aid 9, roll 17 = failure“Not much I can do. Perhaps we should..” Hyfaidd mumbles as he cleans the wound.
“Return to the castle?” Gwyn sighs in pain and the squire nods.
“Soon, first see what you can find on.” With a gesture from Gwyn the squire begins rifling through the Saxon’s belongings.
Oracle did the Saxon have any jewellery or valuables?
2 vs. 3 = No, weak
The Saxon has some minor ornamental decorations, practically worthless.Hyfaidd holds up a necklace with a small boar tusk carved with Saxon runes. The rest seems to be mundane items of travel.
“What do you think, would look good as a trophy?” Gwyn holds up the Saxon axe and plans to place it in the hall of Woodford manor.
They pack up their belongings and head for Vagon castle.
Glory
Defeating Saxon Scout in single combat 35 glory
Total Glory Gained: 35
Player Note: This did not go as expected. The dice give and the dice take. But Gwyn lived to fight another day.Scene 2
Scene: Convalescing in Castle Vagon
Character: Sir Gwyn of Woodford
Dramatis Personae: Sir Elad & Hyfaidd
Location: Vagon Castle
The following morning Gwyn woke up in Vagon castle’s hall. He was sore and his arm was bandaged in a sling.
Sir Elad, the aged marshal of Salisbury county, listened intently to Gwyn’s report during the morning meal.
“Despite not bringing me a live spy for interrogation, you have served me well.” Sir Elad said before taking a sip of his morning beer. Gwyn bowed his head in deference.
“Now, rest up. I’m sure we’ll have need of a good sword arm soon enough.” Sir Elad dismissed the young knight.
Gwyn returned to the long table and sat with the household knights. His friends, Bovert, Emeric and Roger, where back at their manors or serving Earl Roderick in Sarum. As he looked around the table he felt a bit lonely.
Hyfaidd was showing some of the other young squires the horn necklace. The squire had kept it as a memory of the short adventure. He didn’t look as dour when talking to the other squires, Gwyn thought to himself.
“I heard prince Madoc is marshaling a force to go to Colchester.” An older household knight with a reddish face and crooked nose said.
“Aye, the Saxon’s are split into small bands. Nothing Madoc and few good knight’s can’t handle.” Another of the household knights chimed in.
“I hope so. Better yet, King Uther should send for the army to drive em’ all into the sea!” The older knight slammed his fist into the table.
Gwyn scooped some porridge into his mouth with his left hand. He hoped that his shoulder would heal up in time. He would gladly help prince Madoc drive the Saxon’s out.
Scene 3
Scene: Sword Lake
Character: Sir Gwyn of Woodford
Dramatis Personae: Sir Bovert, Sir Emeric, Sir Roger & Merlin in disguise
Location: Salisbury
Gwyn and his three friends had been excited to go raiding in Colchester with Prince Madoc. But the Earl had assigned them to garrison duty. Disappointing and far less profitable.
“Syagrius is offering half the treasury of the Frankish king to Uther if the army can take Paris, but Uther doesn’t want to spend a long time on the continent.” Bovert always had the latest news, or gossip.
Praetor Syagrius was a guest at court while his lands were being assailed. Gwyn hoped they could catch a glimpse of the Roman general. Rome had left Logres and all of Brittan almost a hundred years ago and was declining still.
“Who cares about the Franks! It’s the Saxon we should be fighting.” Emeric’s hatred of the Saxon was renowned throughout Logres.
Gwyn spots a figure on the road. A peasant man in tattered goatskins is waiving at them. He rides ahead of the others and stop in front of the man.
“Good day to you.” Gwyn nods politely at the older man. The man has a wrinkled face and stringy blonde hair with a pronounced bald spot on top.
“Oh good sirs could you do me a favor? My goat has wandered up this hill and well. I’m old and not up for the climb, you see.” The old man pleaded with them.
“A goat, really? The others are of fighting and we are chasing lost goats.” Bovert snorted derisively, the other two looked to Gwyn.
“Fine. Wait here old man. We will find your goat.” Gwyn spurred his horse up the hill, the others in tow.
At the top of the steep climb they see the ruins of an old stone manor. Overgrown with moss, lichen and weeds. Standing on a broken pillar is very large black billy goat. It watches the knight with a nonplussed expression, chewing its chud.
“Come here, don’t be alarmed now.” Gwyn’s horse trots forward and the goat darts off through the ruins.
“You scared it off!” Bovert shouted.
“It’s a goat, what did you expect?” Emeric laughed and spurred his horse after the goat.
The followed the goat down the hill. The goat was surprisingly fast as it bounded into the copse of trees. Suddenly they hear the goat cry out in fear or pain.
“Come on!” Gwyn urged the others to pick up the pace and followed the noise. He pushes a branch of leaves out of the way and is startled.
The large black goat is being held by the horn by the largest figure he has ever seen. A giant with three eyes, two clustered together on the right side of it’s ugly face. It slowly turns to face the knights, tilting it’s head and tossing the goat to it’s side.
“A giant!” Gwyn was astonished at the sight of this legendary being.
He knew that they were dangerous and know to be evil. He slid the sword out of his scabbard and spurred his horse forward. Sir Emeric couched his spear and recklessly charged towards the giant. The giant grabbed and uprooted a nearby small tree.
Sir Emeric Reckless 16, will attack first
Combat Round 1
Sir Emeric Spear 12, roll 12 vs. Three-Eyed Giant Small Tree 18, roll 17
Sir Emeric critical hit, 5d6x2 damage, roll 38 -15(armor)
23 vs. Major Wound 25 = No Major Wound
38 damage vs. knockdown 25 = knockdown roll
Three-Eyed Giant Dex 7, roll 18 = failure, knockdown
Three-Eyed Giant Current Hit Points 32Like a hero of legend Sir Emeric charges forth and impales the giant with his spear. The tip draws blood from the chest and the giant looses it’s balance and topples over.
The knights surround the giant. It roars in pain as it tries to stand.
Sir Bovert Sword 14(Max 10 due to Horsemanship 10,+5 Prone Foe), roll 10 vs. Unopposed
Sir Bovert success, 4d6 damage, roll 14 -15(armor) = 0 damage
Sir Gwyn Sword 15(+5 Prone Foe), roll 11 vs. Unopposed
Sir Gwyn success, 4d6 damage, roll 11 -15(armor) = 0 damage
Sir Roger Sword 15(Max 13 due to Horsemanship 13,+5 Prone Foe), roll 7 vs. Unopposed
Sir Roger, success, 4d6 damage, roll 8 -15(armor) = 0 damageThe three swordsmen hack at the giant but their blades are unable to pierce its toughened hide.
“It’s getting back up!” Gwyn shouts as the giant steadies itself, ignoring the blows from the surrounding knights.
Combat Round 2
Sir Bovert attack
Sir Emeric attack
Sir Gwyn passion & attack
Sir Roger attack
Three-Eyed Giant attack split
Gwyn Passion roll Honor 15, roll 6 = success, Inspired Sword +10
Sir Bovert Sword 14(Max 10 due to Horsemanship 10), roll 15 vs. Three-Eyed Giant Small Tree 5(divided to fight all four), roll 10
Both fail
Sir Emeric Spear 12, roll 18 vs.Three-Eyed Giant Small Tree 5(divided to fight all four), roll 3
Three-Eyed Giant success, 7d6 damage, roll 28 -10(armor) = 18 damage vs. Major Wound 18 = Major Wound
28 damage vs. knockdown 15 = knockdown roll
Sir Emeric Horsemanship 15, roll 12 = no knockdown
Sir Gwyn Sword 15(+10 Inspired), roll 16+5 vs. Three-Eyed Giant Small Tree 5(divided to fight all four), roll 1
Sir Gwyn critical hit, 4d6x2 damage, roll 22 -15(armor) = 6 vs. Major Wound 25 = No Major Wound
22 damage vs. knockdown 25 = no knockdown roll
Three-Eyed Giant Current Hit Points 26
Sir Roger Sword 15(Max 13 due to Horsemanship 13), roll 17 vs. Three-Eyed Giant Small Tree 5(divided to fight all four), roll 11
Both fail The giant flails a the small tree wildly around itself. Sir Emeric is hit and nearly knocked of his horse but through dumb luck or a twist of fate manages to stay seated. Sir Gwyn strikes a blow against the giant, making it howl in pain.
Sir Emeric Reckless 16, roll 18 = failure
Combat Round 3
Sir Bovert attack
Sir Emeric retreat & call for squire
Sir Gwyn attack
Sir Roger attack
Three-Eyed Giant attack split
Sir Bovert Sword 14(Max 10 due to Horsemanship 10), roll 6 vs. Three-Eyed Giant Small Tree 6(divided to fight all three), roll 7
Sir Bovert success, 4d6 damage, roll 12 -15(armor) = 0 damage
Sir Gwyn Sword 15(+10 Inspired), roll 2+5 vs. Three-Eyed Giant Small Tree 6(divided to fight all three), roll 20 (fumble loose weapon)
Sir Gwyn success, 4d6 damage, roll 20 -15(armor) = 5 vs. Major Wound 25 = No Major Wound
20 damage vs. knockdown 25 = no knockdown roll
Three-Eyed Giant Current Hit Points 21
Sir Roger Sword 15(Max 13 due to Horsemanship 13), roll 1 vs. Unopposed
Sir Roger success, 4d6 damage, roll 12 -15(armor) = 0 damage
Sir Emeric Squire 16, roll 6 = successAs Sir Emeric retreats and shouts for his squire’s aid the others strike at the giant. Bovert and Roger’s swords are unable to pierce it’s hide. Gwyn manages to strike and the giant flings the tree in its grasp. The tree crashes against a rock as Emeric’s squire rushes forward.
Combat Round 3
Sir Bovert attack
Sir Emeric squire first aid
Sir Gwyn attack
Sir Roger attack
Three-Eyed Giant pick up weapon
Sir Bovert Sword 14(Max 10 due to Horsemanship 10, +5 Foe Disarmed), roll 19 vs. Three-Eyed Giant Small Tree 6(-5 Disarmed), roll 6
Sir Bovert, critical hit, 4d6x2 damage, roll 28 -15(armor) = 13 vs. Major Wound 25 = No Major Wound
28 damage vs. knockdown 25 = knockdown roll
Three-Eyed Giant Dex 7, roll 17 = failure, knockdown
Three-Eyed Giant Current Hit Points 8, Unconscious 13The giant goes to grab a large rock out of the ground and Sir Bovert darts underneath it and with all his might stabs into the giants thigh. With a roar of pain it stumbles and falls, bleeding from many small cuts. With a heavy thud the three-eyed giant falls unconscious.
Gwyn steps forward and sinks his sword into the throat of the giant. They hear the laughter as the old man steps into the little clearing.
“Congratulations, well fought good sirs.” The old man walks calmly towards Emeric who is being tended to by his squire.
“Step aside boy, let me help.” A cloud of fog and smoke surrounds the old man and the glamour breaks. Before them stands the great wizard Merlin. His long white beard peaks out from the hood of a blue cloak. They all look astonished as the wizard kneels next to Sir Emeric and places a hand on his chest.
Emeric grunts in pain and they hear bones snap back into place.
“You will do. Come with me.” Merlin stands up and strides off into the woods.
“You’re Merlin.. Where are you taking us?” Gwyn helps Emeric up before following the wizard.
“Silence, please. I need guards against monsters, not inquisitors.” Merlin seems to be in deep concentration. Bovert hurries after Gwyn and the others follow along in silence.
The squires follow but look wide eyed and frightened at the giants corpse.
Sir Bovert Folk Lore 2, roll 5 = failure
Sir Emeric Folk Lore 2, roll 16 = failure
Sir Gwyn Awareness 15, roll 9 = success
Sir Roger Folk Lore 2, roll 4 = failure“Do you see that, the forest. It shimmers!” Gwyn points out the strange light shining among the trees.
“Leave your horses here with your squires.” Merlin commands and the holds his staff in front while gesturing into the air. Gwyn dismounts and hands the reigns of his horse to Hyfaidd. The three other knights do the same.
“I hope it’s not another giant..” Sir Emeric draws his sword with a stern expression.
Merlin strides into the forest, with an intense determination. The four knights follow in his footsteps and soon they loose sight of their squires and horses. The forest is blanketed with a white fog.
“There! Protect me now, good knights, for the sake of your king and your lives!” Merlin points his staff and a figure on horse rides out towards them.
Both man and horse are green as if clad in wet algae fresh from a stream. The rider has a sword in each hand. The knights stead begins to charge towards them, impossibly nimble across the underbrush.
“Do your job now, knights!” says Merlin as he strides away.
“Prepare yourselves!” Gwyn shouts and holds his shield forth.
“God, protect us!” Sir Roger shouts as two new arms grow from the side of knight’s torso.
Combat Round 1
Sir Bovert passion & attack
Sir Emeric passion & attack
Sir Gwyn passion & attack
Sir Roger passion & attack Nukalavee attack
Sir Bovert Passion roll Honor 16, roll 12 = success, Inspired Sword +10
Sir Emeric Passion roll Honor 16, roll 6 = success, Inspired Sword +10
Sir Gwyn Passion roll Love(Family) 17, roll 16 = success, Inspired Sword +10
Sir Roger Passion roll Honor 16, roll 7 = success, Inspired Sword +10
Sir Bovert Sword 14(+10 Inspired-5 Not Mounted), roll 14 vs. Nukalavee Sword 16, roll 2
Sir Bovert success, 4d6 damage, roll 12 -5(armor) = 7 vs. Major Wound 15 = No Major Wound
Nukalavee Current HP 38
Sir Emeric Sword 15(+10 Inspired-5 Not Mounted), roll 18 vs. Nukalavee Sword 16, roll 5
Sir Emeric success, 5d6 damage, roll 13 -5(armor) = 8 vs. Major Wound 15 = No Major Wound
Nukalavee Current HP 31
Sir Gwyn Sword 15(+10 Inspired-5 Not Mounted), roll 4 vs. Nukalavee Sword 16, roll 13
Nukalavee success, 5d6 damage, roll 14 -16(armor+shield) = 0 damage 14 vs. knockdown 12 = knockdown roll
Gwyn Dex 12, roll 12 = critical success, no knockdown
Sir Roger Sword 15(+10 Inspired-5 Not Mounted), roll 20 vs. Nukalavee Sword 16, roll 12
Sir Roger critical hit, 4d6x2 damage, roll 34 -5(armor) = 29 vs. Major Wound 15 = Major Wound Nukalavee
Current HP 2, Unconscious
Player Note: Surprisingly brief compared to the fight with the giant.“Woodford!” Gwyn shouts a battle cry and swings at mounted knight. He barely has time to get his shield in front of his face as the strange knight’s sword slashes towards him. Gwyn feels himself get pushed into the ground but he stands fast.
Emeric and Bovert hack into the sides, water splashes out of the knight the knights wound.
“Back to hell with you!” Roger shouted and struck sword through the throat of the horse the blade sinking all the way into the stomach of the rider. Both knight and horse fell as one to the side. As Roger pulls his sword from the wet stinking mass they see it clearly.
“Not a knight at all. Some hideous thing fused together.” Gwyn stared in disbelief as the thing upon the ground bubbled and congealed. Slowly it was melting away into a pile of green slime.
“Where’s Merlin?” Bovert asked and they all looked around. They followed his trail in the wet grass to a small beach.
“Out there!” Gwyn pointed out to the middle of the lake. Standing in a small boat surrounded by a low fog is the wizard Merlin. The hear his low mumbling over the still lake as something emerges from the lake. Gleaming a shining blade emerges from the lake, held up with a slender white arm. The sword is beautiful and almost otherworldly. Merlin takes it with two hands, holding it as gently as a newborn babe. The hand disappears back into the lake and Merlin rows back to shore.
“Well done, knights, Britain is in your debt. Let us go now.” Covering the blade in a red cloth the wizard sets off on a vigorous walk. Astonished Gwyn looks back at the lake before he follows the others back.
The squires are glad to see them returned, Gwyn sees that Hyfaidd even has his spear at the ready.
“Merlin, may I ask you a question?” Gwyn says to the old wizard.
“Seems that you already have! Alright, alright. Ask away.” Merlin smiles jovially.
“What was that thing? Not the giant.. the other one.”
“A Nukalavee, or devil of the sea. Wrathful things that causes much trouble. I’m sure the small folk will be glad to see it gone.” Merlin looked of into the distance before waving them away.
Glory Gained
Defeating the Three-Eyed Giant 100 (divided between the four)
Defeating the Nukalavee 100 (divided between the four)
Aiding Merlin 50 (each)
Total Glory gained:
Sir Bovert 75
Sir Emeric 75
Sir Gwyn 75
Sir Roger 75“Do you think anyone will believe us?” Gwyn says while riding back.
“Well, everyone knows of Merlin. He’s king Uther’s advisor after all!” Bovert shrugged.
“At least one thing he said was true. That thing was evil.” Roger looked somber as the grave as he spoke. Emeric seemed to be lost in thought, mindlessly scratching at his chest.
Next Session: Celebration in Sarum