I did not answer. Instead I peered over Juldt’s shoulder towards the dark shape of Verra. The oncoming dawn now permitted at least a slight view of the woman. Matted curly hair with thin pink streaks. A large birthmark dominated the left side of her face and ran down to her neck. She held a bow at the ready and nocked but not yet drawn. A white wood arrow shaft tipped with a stone arrowhead was aimed towards Drogga.
“I see your wife bears the mark of ill.” As I said this, Bordio came stomping towards me. “Juldt, our people are peaceful and accepting. I do not know from which clan you were outcast or how long you have lived in the wilds or if you are even willing to respond what I ask. How would you like to be a part of a clan again? To have meaning other than taking from others for survival?”
Read the previous session here or start at the beginning
Bordio quickly approached and forcefully shoved me down. He reached down and snatched my hand axe from off my side. Anger welled up within me. This river is cursed! The River of Wrath was truly living up to its name.
I’ve had enough. The rage built as quickly as the water flowed down the river.
I quickly kicked at Bordio’s legs, sweeping him off of his feet and quickly regained my own.
I placed my fingers into my mouth and let loose a piercing shrill that echoed into the chill morning air. Deris roared and swooped out of the trees. He took aim at Bordio and closed quickly. Just before reaching him, something flashed into sight. An arrow ripped through his right wing. Deris roared in pain and gained altitude.
Juldt stood up and brandished two wicked daggers. He truly was an imposing figure, a good foot taller than his twin brother.
I noticed the opportunity to retrieve my axe with Bordio on the ground. I reached out and picked it up and then attempted to step over Bordio and gain some distance. But Bordio reached up and caught my foot and I tumbled over and fell on the rocky ground.
In the corner of my vision, I noticed Verra slink off to behind the treeline. She must have been getting into a better position to line up a shot.
I grabbed a handful of gravel and slung it towards Juldt but I was off balance and ended up hitting Drogga with a particularly large stone. With a yelp, she bounded off towards the trees.
Bordio quickly rose to his feet. I expected him to come after me for a pummel but instead went after Pendry.
I couldn’t let Bordio get Pendry. She has been so helpful on this journey. I now regret how I refused to let her come along originally.
I wanted to dash towards Bordio and take him down but my feet couldn’t move fast enough. I felt like I was running in mud. Why was I failing? Why did I ever believe I could have done this alone?
As I approached Bordio, he caught my intentions with a steely glare and raised his bone club above his head.
I dove towards Bordio’s legs in hopes of reaching them before his club could find me but perhaps I misjudged his reach. The bone club landed squarely on my lower back with a sickening thud.
Bordio once again raised the bone club over his head as he screamed profanities upon me.
I rose to feet, the anger and anguish apparent upon my face, and raised my axe. Bordio easily caught my slow movement and grasped my wrist with one hand and throat with the other.
As Bordio’s massive hand grasped my throat, I let out a primal scream. It probably was a poor reaction as that could have been my last breath. I closed my eyes and prepared for my end.
I felt Bordio’s fingers loosen along with a swift burst of wind. Bordio’s head had been removed by Deris and his body slumped to the ground before me. I could see Juldt lying prone on his belly looking on in horror.
I could see the rage in his eyes as they began to well up over the loss of his brother. Juldt stood up and charged me.
“Stay back or suffer the same fate as your brother!” I yelled. Juldt gave no response and continued on his charge.
I then heard the “thwack” of a recently released bowstring.
I ducked whistling arrow and avoided the piercing arrowhead as it caught my waterskin along my back. I could feel the water drip down my back and legs
Veera yelled at Juldt, pointing out that I was vulnerable on the ground.
Juldt towered above me, both daggers in his hands hanging by his side. He glanced at the lifeless body of his brother nearby. Tears of rage flowed down his face. He screamed as he plunged the daggers down…
“…and that’s what happened.”
The spirit world is red all around me. I hear the pain and disappointment in Ut’Ullah’s voice as she speaks into the flames within her hut. “You did your best young one.”
“I failed! I failed myself! I failed the chieftain! Pendry! Drogga! Deris! You!”
“Telaverr please! You must calm your soul lest you become haunted and unable to pass beyond. We gave your killers their asking price for Pendry’s and Drogga’s lives and they were honorable enough to bring your body back to Paderul for your final rites. Deris is free to roam and mourn on his own. Please be calm. I gave Kluman instructions just before he passed. Your chieftain will be there soon to help guide you to the beyond. Goodbye my son”
The End
Wow! That went downhill very fast. There were a lot of failed rolls and weak hits that prevented me from gaining initiative during combat and boy did it turn out deadly. Maybe next time I will make a character that is more able in combat situations.
I really enjoyed this solo game of Ironsworn. So much so that I will be beginning another one shortly. I am also excited to bring this to the table to play with others as well. Maybe a play-by-post? Either way, I am super hyped to play this some more. You should definitely check out the rule set.
I hope you enjoyed the perilous adventure of Telaverr, although it was only a short journey with a tragic end. Thanks for following along!
If you are interested in seeing the character sheet and mechanics of this actual play, go here.
Here is an overview of the Ironsworn system
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