[BW] Burning Britannia

[ArcheiosAggelos]

This is my first actual play thread. My group and I are starting a new game, so I figured that it was time to try it. It will also help to keep track of what has gone on in game.

This is our third Burning Wheel game, and I think that we are really starting to get the system. It's very different than anything else we play, so there are still hiccups, but we all enjoy it quite a bit. I am the GM, and there are two players.

The game is setting in Cornwall in 911 AD, so things are still pretty grim and Dark Age-y. This is definitely not the High Middle Ages. Reading and Writing are even more uncommon than in most Medieval games, and settlements are small. In the previous generation, the Cornish allied themselves with the Viking settlers in the rest of Britain, known as the Danes, and were defeated by the Anglo-Saxons. In the coming generation, Cornwall will be defeated again and swallowed by England. Currently, however, it is still one of the last bastions of the Celts, and Christianity, while well-positioned, has not even yet become the totally dominating force that it will later.

Following are the characters, along with stats if anyone cares.

[ArcheiosAggelos]

Margh of Sennen

Margh grew up in Sennen, the largest village in the Barony of Gwithion. Sennen is the site of a lot of the trading which happens in the area, including some from the continent. Travellers mostly come here from the mainland seeking the tin which is produced in the barony. There are still those in the village who are nominally pagan, though they do not worship in the old ways; basically, they just aren't Christians. Margh is one of these. Most in the village have converted now, and the last pagans are dropping fast.

His father was a fisherman, and so Margh of course learned the trade himself for several years, throwing the nets in at the coast and raising dogs to help pull them back in (apparently this is a traditional method of fishing in Cornwall). When he was in his teens, however, he helped a shipwrecked merchant from Potevin named Leif. Afterward, the two struck up a friendship, and now, every year when Leif comes into the village to trade, he sends Margh out to peddle some of his wares throughout Cornwall. Margh comes back to the village at the end of summer and fishes still.

He has just returned from such a voyage, and he brings unsettling news: the neighboring Baron, Talek, is massing men for unknown reasons. Margh very much would like to report this to his lord, but he tends to be very reclusive...good thing Margh has friends (see below).

Unfortunately, the night he returned he was drinking in the local inn with his cousin Daveth. When Daveth left to relieve himself, he never came back, and when Margh went to check on him, he found him murdered. Things are never simple.

Lifepaths: Born Peasant, Fisherman, Peddler

Age: 19yrs

Stats:
Will B4, Perception B4, Pwr B4, Forte B4, Speed B5, Agility B4

Attributes:
Health B5, Reflexes B4, Mortal Wound B10, Steel B4

Skills:
Axe B3, Brawling B2, Cooking B2, Cornwall-wise B4, Dog Husbandry B4, Fishing B3, Haggling B3, Inconspicuous B2, Knots B3, Mending B3, Persuasion B2

Traits:
Blank Stare (Die-Trait, +1 Ob to all Persuasion and Soothing Platitudes made against this character), Eidetic Memory (Die-Trait, if there is a question as to whether or not the character remembers something then he does), Fearless (Die-Trait, reduces Hesitation by three except for surprise and wonderment), Honest (Character), Superstitious (Character)

Gear: two sets of clothes, shoes, axe, knife, two dogs (Pwyll and Arawn), traveling gear, Mending kit, Cooking kit, small waddle and daub house in Sennon, some jewelry from Poitevin (+1D to Resources)

Relationships:
-Leif, a trader from Poitevin whose life Margh saved when his ship wrecked about three years ago. Since then, Margh has peddled his wares every year and they have become good friends.
-Aaron, the head of a significant family from the village of Carn Towan. Margh killed his brother when he saw the man beating his wife.

Circles B2, Resources B1
Languages - Cornish, some French, some Welsh, some English
Reputations - 1D as an honest trader.
Affiliations - 1D with local traders and fishermen.

Beliefs:
1) My cousin was murdered behind the inn, and I must find those responsible.
2) Baron Talek is massing his men and I must convince my lord to protect himself.
3) A man is as good as he treats his homeland; I will be a good man.

Instincts:
1) Always care for Pwyll and Arawn.
2) Never lie.
3) If an honest man is in need, speak up.

[ArcheiosAggelos]

Gareth the Bastard

Life has not been particularly kind to Gareth. He was born the bastard son of Baron Gwithion's sister, who was being kept in the Baron's household. She had a romantic story of a foreign nobleman, and gave Gareth a fine sword, saying it was his inheritance. The boy was always viewed as an embarrassment, and was raised as much out of the way at the manner as possible. As soon as he was a bit older, he was sent to the village of Sennen with a bit of coin to live with the wealthiest family and be out of the picture.

As he grew older, Gareth began to have strange dreams, more vivid than normal, and which often seemed to hold prophetic truths. Sometimes they showed things which had already happened, and sometimes things yet to come. They were never straight-forward however, and always riddled with symbolism. He had only one friend in the village, a young fisherman named Margh who was about his age. Gareth shared his dreams with Margh and no other, fearing that they were a sign that his father was a demon.

Soon, however, he was sent by the family to the newly found Abbey to study to become a man of the cloth. This did not work out either. While Christian, Gareth lacked the faith and the motivation to be vested. The Abbot, a kindly man who acts as something of a father figure, was somewhat encouraging of the decision, as he knew that Gareth was not right for the job. The dreams did stop while at the Abbey, however, and Gareth found peace of a sort learning the language of the departed Romans.

A few months ago, Gareth returned back to live with the merchant's family again, a failure and a pariah of sorts. Yesterday, he reconnected with his old friend Margh. Unfortunately, the dreams recurred that night, and then, in the morning, Margh called on him to tell him that his cousin had been killed, and that he had news for the Baron which must be dealt with. The two meet at the inn at noon to discuss their options.

Lifepaths: Born Noble, Bastard, Failed Acolyte

Age: 18yrs

Stats:
Will B4, Perception B5, Pwr B4, Forte B4, Speed B5, Agility B4

Attributes:
Health B4, Reflexes B4, Mortal Wound B10, Steel B4

Skills:
Christian Doctrine B2, Herbalism B4, Observation B3, Oratory B2, Persuasion B3, Read B4, Religious History B2, Research B3, Secrets-wise B4, Sword B3, Write B2

Traits:
Bastard (Die-Trait, gives 1D infamous Reputation with the nobility), Bitter (Character), Dreamer (Die-Trait, the character has vivid and sometimes prophetic dreams), Idealistic (Character), Mark of Privilege (Die-Trait, gives 1D Affiliation with nobility, but adds +1 Ob to Inconspicuous or Falsehood rolls when masquerading as someone of lower station)

Gear: clothes, finery, shoes, superior quality sword, knife, Herbalism kit, some coin from the Baron (+1D to Resources)

Relationships:
-Father Merlot, the abbot of Tavistock Abbey at which Gareth studied. He is friendly and almost fatherly, and fully understands why Gareth left.
-Baron Talek, from the neighboring barony, who is attempting to use Gareth, though his exact motives remain a mystery.

Circles B3, Resources B0
Languages - Cornish, Latin, English, some Welsh
Reputations - 1D among the nobility as a bastard.
Affiliations - 1D with the nobility.

Beliefs:
1) Any mystery should be investigated.
2) I will aid my uncle by watching Baron Talek and figuring out his game.
3) My dreams are important and should be followed.

Instincts:
1) If someone calls me a bastard, I call them on it.
2) Always observe.
3) Always behave like a nobleman.

[ArcheiosAggelos]

So, that's how the game shaped up. I pitched an idea: "Hey, Dark Ages Britain, yound characters, probably 3 lifepaths, in Cornwall. I'd like things to start in the village and stay relatively local for the first few sessions."

The situation then developed in the character's Beliefs and Relationships. When Margh's player threw that first Belief at me out of no where, I was salivating. Here are the maps that I put together to prep for the game.

The Baron
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p254/ArcheiosAggelos/BaronyofGwithion2.gif

The Village
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p254/ArcheiosAggelos/VillageofSennen2.gif

I was ready to roll now. I typed up a quick prologue for each character, setting them in the inn together just as a stranger walked in. I also gave Gareth's player a handout of the dream that he had the night before, which I will post below. After that, I'll get on the writeup of the first session. It went beautifully and lasted about four hours, give or take. They were able to just barely solve the whole murder in that time, and everyone was jazzed, as events conspired to make a seemless transition into the next session.

All advice, comments, praise, and derision is welcome.

edit: that first map just will not go in here right side up. It's the damndest thing. On photobucket, it appears correct, and I tried deleting the file and starting all over again, and it still does it. Let me know if you have an idea as to how to fix it.

[ArcheiosAggelos]

Burning Britannia
Chapter One – Murder Most Foul
Dreams of Death

“No,” the man says calmly, munching on a bit of hard bread, “Th’ price is plenty enough. I don’ know why ye want the deed done, but done it shall be.”

His accent is strange, hard to place. He speaks Cornish well, though. His face is obscured, as if behind a hood, and he plays with a knife, picking at the wood of the heavy oak table in front of him. The hand that holds the knife is strange, painted with the symbol of a dark fire and a raven.

“Nor will you ever know,” says his companion, who sits totally in the shadow of the great fire. “Know only that it is done, and then know of it no more.”

“And ye trust in me t’ do it, even after you’ve given me th’ pay?”

There is a bit of laughter in the shadowed man’s voice as his hand drops a small purse onto the table. “Men like you can always be trusted when you think there might be more down the road, and men like me can find those of your kind.”

The foreigner’s hand shakes a bit as he grabs the purse. “Tell me he is a bad man. Tell me that he d’na love the Lord once in his life.”

No answer. The other figure stands, still hidden from your view. “Your conscious is between you and God. Just do the job, and ask for His forgiveness later with an open heart. Then speak to a priest.”

A bit of laughter, and the man is gone. The foreigner finishes his bread, then walks into the night, fingering his knife as he shuts the door behind him.

[ArcheiosAggelos]

Murder Most Foul Day One - The Boring Day

Margh and Gareth were sitting in the inn sharing a meal while they discussed the two situations at hand: the neighboring Baron, Talek, massing men for war, and the murder of Margh’s cousin Daveth the night before behind the inn. Gareth shares his dream, and Margh knows to trust it; the two just aren’t quite sure what it means.

Just then, a very large Englishman wearing chain and carrying a sword enters the inn. He orders food and rooms, then sits to himself in the corner. Gareth notices his accent and thinks of his dream. It doesn’t sound the same, but it is strange. The two approach the stranger and talk to him, but he doesn’t seem interested. Margh catches sight of a dagger on his belt with a strange hilt in the shape of a raven.

The two get nowhere with the mercenary, and so approach a small group of traveling peddlers from Carn Towan, a small village of about 50 just five miles away. They were present the night of the murder, and the characters try to get some information out of them. They largely fail, and besides, Margh remembers that they were inside when his cousin was killed, along with some of his fellow fishermen and the local priest. One of their number is new, however, a young woman named Kayna who dresses as a man and carries a rusted sword at her hip. When questioned about it, she becomes very belligerent. She doesn’t seem to understand that only soldiers and noblemen carry the things. The conversation ends with the characters turning to go and one of the travelers mentioning, “Men who kill other men have dark things happen to their own kin,” as he looks at Margh. Everyone in Carn Towan knows about Margh killing a man there two years ago.

Now confused, and still lacking any real clues, the characters head to the back of the inn to investigate the crime scene. They find nothing of note, but there is quite a lot of dried blood. Questioning the stable boy doesn’t help either. He heard nothing.

So the characters head for the church to see the body and talk to Father Lucas. On the way, they discuss the political problems, and how to get word to the Baron. Gareth isn’t so sure he can get an audience. He does take the opportunity to share a little secret: Baron Talek has been in contact with him for some time, putting it into his head that he could have a legitimate claim to the Barony if push came to shove, and that his uncle is unfit to rule. For the time being, Gareth is content to just gather what information he can. The plot has thickened.

In the church, Gareth investigates the body, but Father Lucas becomes uncomfortable, so he ceases. The priest attempts to convince Margh to be baptized, and expresses sorrow that Gareth didn’t choose to be ordained. Daveth was also not Christian, but the priest insisted on giving him a burial. Strange.

[ArcheiosAggelos]

Murder Most Foul Day Two - Things Get More Interesting

The next day, Margh goes out fishing with his dogs. He chats with his father, who simply reminds him that blood must be repaid with blood. He and Gareth also visit Daveth’s widow, Ebrel, who is having a difficult time. She says she doesn’t know what will happen with Daveth’s old one-room cobbler’s shop in the market area. She seems disgusted that the priest has decided to give her husband a Christian burial, but agreed to let it happen to keep the peace. She hopes to see both of the characters at the funeral tomorrow. Things get interesting when Margh asks her if Daveth was involved in anything that could have gotten him into trouble. The woman responds with, “Oh Margh, don’t ask. Just don’t you be asking. He had no enemies, I can tell you that.” Margh is intrigued, but lets it drop for the time being.

That evening, while heading to Margh’s for dinner, the two pass a young woman named Sarah who has taken up with Father Lucas of late, preaching at the crossroads in town. She is warning all sinners to accept Christ, and has gathered quite an audience, most friendly, but some not. Margh seems disgruntled, and Gareth mutters something about the church frowning on women preaching as they head on.

After a simple meal the Gareth leaves for bed, as it is now dark, and Margh goes back to Ebrel’s alone to figure out what Daveth was up to. As both get to their respective destinations, they hear an enormous commotion coming from the market square. Both arrive at about the same time to see Sarah hanging, dead, from the sign post on Daveth’s old shop.

The villagers are of course greatly disturbed. Father Lucas comes to give her the last rites, then totally loses it, weeping and screaming a fiery sermon at the crowd. They all help him carry the body to the church.

When Margh returns to Ebrel’s with the news, she seems unsurprised. Margh demands to know what is going on. She tells him to meet her in the woods by the river an hour after dark the next night, and makes him promise not to bring Gareth.

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Murder Most Foul Day Three - A Funeral and a Ritual

In the morning, the characters head to the church for the funeral, which has become a double service for both Daveth and Sarah and has drawn quite the crowd. Margh takes his place up front with Ebrel, while Gareth opts to stand at the doors to the church where the crowd stretches well outside. Father Lucas seems totally crazed and delivers an acrimonious sermon against damnation. He doesn’t seem himself at all. Margh can no longer stand it when Lucas mentions that bad things happen to those who do not accept the Lord, and he speaks up, demanding that the priest respect the dead. There is a great silence, but Ebrel and her friends nod in agreement. Lucas glares at him and then continues. When he says something negative again, Margh says that men should be honest and not malign a murdered man in front of his grieving family. The priest orders two of the villagers to escort Margh out. The men know and like Margh, so do so apologetically.

Meanwhile, Gareth sees the English mercenary from the inn come to the edge of the crowd, peer into the church, then nod and walk away. Gareth slips off and follows him back to the inn, then rushes back to the church to meet Margh just as he is leaving.

The characters then head back to the aptly named Weeping Widow inn, intent on following the lead on the English mercenary. The innkeep tells them that he has the left room upstairs, and they go knock. The man is not interested in seeing them, demanding to know through the barred doors exactly who they are. His tone changes when Gareth tells him his name. He sends the characters to fetch ale and then invites them in. What followed was one of my two favorite scenes of the night…

* * * * *

Margh positioned himself as discreetly as possible between the mercenary and his sword which was lying in the corner. The man noticed and smiled, chuckling to himself. He still had his strange dagger.

“That’s an interesting knife you carry,” said Gareth, trying to sound nonchalant but all the while remembering his dream and the mark of the raven on the man’s hand.

“This? It’s nothing. What do you want with me.”

Margh took a gamble. “Are you leaving now that you’ve finished the job, then?”

The stranger’s eyes grew wide. Gareth laid his hand on his sword and watched him carefully. Margh prepared himself to take revenge.

“How did you know?” he whispered. They was a silence, and then recognition seemed to strike him. “Oh, of course, Talek must have already written to you, Gareth. I didn’t know if he would tell you of my errand or not. Well, have you any further orders for me?”

Gareth and Margh exchanged glances. “Um…what have you done already?” asked Gareth, trying to play along.

“Well, I’ve been watching what I can. Nothing much happening except for the murders, which I doubt Talek will care about. I’m traveling up to eye the manor tomorrow, and then I’ll return.”

Margh couldn’t help but speak. “You didn’t kill my cousin?” he sputtered. “But we saw you at the church!”

The man looked confused himself now, eyeing his sword across the room. “I went to the church because I saw the crowd,” he said evenly. “I wasn’t even here when your cousin was killed.”

Everyone was silent, smiling a bit awkwardly at one another. Gareth poured more ale from the pitcher. “Perhaps it is best we all simply forgot about this meeting,” he suggested.

“Baron Gwithion could pay you more for your service,” Margh said.

The stranger seemed to consider the option, then walked to the door and opened it. “Perhaps it is best that we all forget about the meeting.”

Margh and Gareth left, shaking their heads and no closer to finding the killer.

* * * * *

Discouraged, Gareth decides that he must visit the Abbey to tell Abbot Merlot that Father Lucas is acting in an unseemly manner, and to get his advice about the dangers of Baron Talek. Margh thinks that this is a good idea, as it gives him a chance to meet Ebrel.

After a journey to the Abbey, Gareth has a warm reception with Merlot, and the two discuss things. He, knows nothing of the murders, of course, but is concerned. He says that he cannot do anything about Lucas on a single story, but promises to watch him. He also says that he will write to attempt to convince Baron Gwithion to see Gareth, and then turns the conversation to more pleasant things, as he has just gotten a new addition to the library: a scroll containing half a book of Vergil! Gareth stays at the Abbey that night.

Margh, meanwhile, sneaks out to the woods to meet Ebrel. He sees a group of six figures enter the woods and follows them as quietly as possible. Managing to remain undetected, he simply observes as the group disrobes and then sacrifices a sheep on a rock in a clearing in an ancient pagan ritual. After the ceremony, he makes himself known. A confused conversation follows as he attempts to figure out what is going on. Apparently, Daveth and Ebrel have revived the old ways in secret. They also seem to know about Sarah’s murder, but will say nothing.

Finally, a young man named Corrin speaks up and admits that he killed her in retaliation for Daveth’s death. He admits that Sarah was not involved in the murder, but feels that killing a Christian evened the score. Margh is disappointed and tells Ebrel that he is ashamed of their actions.

[ArcheiosAggelos]

Murder Most Foul Day Four, Part One - The Conclusion

Again, Margh spends the morning fishing and considering his options. Gareth returns to share his meeting with Abbot Merlot with Margh, but is stopped in town by Father Lucas, who asks him to see him in the rectory. They sit opposite one another at a large oak table, and this is my other favorite scene…

* * * * *

“I think that you should beware your friendship with Margh, Gareth,” said Father Lucas. “He has rejected God repeatedly and made a great disturbance at the funeral yesterday. He is of the devil.”

Gareth was silent, but then noticed deep marks in the wood, as though it had recently been cut with a dagger. Gareth’s dream returned to him. He raised his eyes directly to Father Lucas and said, “Men like you can always be trusted when you think there might be more down the road, and men like me can find those of your kind.”

Lucas reeled back in his chair and made the sign of the cross. “You speak to demons! Get out!”

Gareth continued, “Your conscious is between you and God. Just do the job, and ask for His forgiveness later with an open heart. Then speak to a priest.”

“How can you know this?!?”

Gareth’s voice was calm and sad. “Oh, Father. How could you have done such a thing.”

The priest ran for the door, but Gareth caught him and forced him into a chair, holding him down.

“This is witchcraft!” he protested.

Gareth drew his sword and held it across the arms of Lucas’ chair. “True dreams come from God, Father. You know this.” His voice had an edge of steel in it. “Now tell me everything.”

Father Lucas grew quiet. “The man was a devil-worshiper,” he whispered. “Go to the woods yourself and you will see their bloody altar where they sacrifice to Satan. See it for yourself Gareth. You will see why this must had to be done.”

Now Gareth faltered. “Is this true?”

“It is.” There was a heavy silence. “Beneath my bed, Gareth. Fetch us some wine.”

* * * * *

[ArcheiosAggelos]

Murder Most Foul Day Four, Part Two - The Climax

The conversation with Father Lucas was starting to get to Gareth. He still thought the priest was horribly wrong; he’d spent tithing money on expensive wine from the continent and on murder, after all. However, if these peasants were worshipping the devil in the woods, then surely something had to be done. Father Lucas prevailed upon the young man to return to the rectory three hours after sunset, to meet him and the killer, so that the three of them might travel to woods together. Gareth agreed.

Afterward, Gareth went to the coast and found Margh fishing with Pwyll and Arawn, his dogs. He immediately confronted the fisherman, and an argument ensued. To Gareth’s surprise, Margh knew about the ceremonies in the woods. Moreover, he admitted that one of them had killed Sarah. However, Margh was very convincing in his defense of the group. He admitted that the slaying was a poor choice, but refused to accept that the group was worshipping Satan. Gareth brought up Saint Paul, saying that he had asserted that all worship of pagan deities was actually worship of the devil. Margh very astutely asked if Paul had ever visited Cornwall. This seemed to fluster Gareth just a bit.

In the end, however, it was the chance at a plot to save the barony that put the two back together. Margh wanted to kill both the assassin and Father Lucas. Gareth wanted no part in killing a priest, pointing out that if that were done the King would send troops south to the barony and the place would be swarming with soldiers…and then it dawned on him that this might just not be a bad thing if Baron Talek was moving to war.

The two contacted Corrin (Sarah’s murderer), told him what was going on and swore him to secrecy. The three planned to kill the assassin and Father Lucas at Gareth’s meeting with them. Gareth refused to have anything to do with killing Father Lucas, but that suited Margh and Corrin just fine.

Two hours before sunset the group stealthily approached the rectory. They saw a strange man, a Scot, going to the house, and three ravens perched on its roof, laughing at him. The man hurled a rock at them and cursed them, then went inside. At the sight of the ravens, Corrin and Margh made the sign to ward off evil, and Gareth, remembering the mark of the raven on the man’s hand in his dream, made the sign of the cross.

What the players didn’t know is that the killer had arrived so that he and the priest might set up their own ambush. However, they weren’t expecting the characters for another hour. My plans as a GM were worthless!

Corrin and Margh crept up to either side of the door and waited, Corrin with his cudgel and Margh with his axe. Gareth stood ten yards from the door and hurled two rocks against it. The priest sent the killer to check on the disturbance. Margh’s player: set, the great strike as soon as he sticks his head out. One versus speed test later and the killer was on the ground bleeding profusely. Gareth ran and finished him with his sword while Corrin went in to deal with the priest. After a scuffle, he returned out with the body and smashed the man’s skull in beside the rectory.

Gareth didn’t want to be present for this, and so was already dragging the killers body away. Margh had told him where there were some sea caves nearby where it could be sunk, then followed, covering the tracks. The two set about the gruesome work of cutting the wind out of the man and weighting him, then left him at the bottom of a deep pool in the cave. All the while, the three ravens watched, laughing at them before the flew away, having seen the job done.

The characters quickly went home. However, that night, Gareth had another dream…

[ArcheiosAggelos]

Burning Britannia
Chapter One – Murder Most Foul
Dreams of Life

The father lifts his new son over his head, showing him to the household so that all can see his acceptance. The room is strange, painted with pictures like you’ve never seen before, and tiled with mosaic. The gathered slaves and family members smile at the crying infant, then gasp.

The exulting father’s face changes as he notices the boy’s foot, marked with a strange pattern. It can’t be made out.

Suddenly, the woman on the bed screams. A slave-girl runs to her side and holds her hand, then checks under her sheets. Her hands come back covered in blood.

And then clouds and water; water in clouds.

Then stone, and the loud noise of a door shutting and being bolted.

Clouds, water, stone, all together, and a boy pointing to each and speaking names not heard on the island in long years…Jupiter…Neptune…Pluto.

And finally, silence and darkness, and a cold wind.

[ArcheiosAggelos]

Murder Most Foul - Wrapup

The two woke the next day to great commotion in the village. Everyone is terrified with the three murders. Gareth tells Margh of his dream. The images mean nothing to Margh, but when Gareth explains that he believes it to be a vision of the departed Romans, Margh recalls that there is an old Roman villa, long abandoned and ruined, on the moors. No one goes there, as it is said to be haunted, but he thinks he knows where it is. He does not want to go, but is persuaded. The two also agree to see the baron on the way, demanding entrance, as he must be warned of Talek.

[ArcheiosAggelos]

So that was the first session. Everyone had a good time, and I was proud of them for avoiding a dangerous fight with their wits, even if it made my fully burned up killer and priest a bit unneccesary. Next session will be visiting the baron and investigating the old villa. That's on Tuesday.

Margh needs a new belief now, and we've pretty much settled on:

"Gareth helped me aveng my brother's murder, and so I must take him to the haunted ruins in payment."

He says that he wants to keep one belief short term during every session. I think that he has learned how to play this game. He knows that Artha carrot for sure.

Bonus points to anyone who recognizes the homage to an old module in there.

[ArcheiosAggelos]

Second session went very well again this past week. Probably better. Writeup is coming today. The plan was to go and force the Baron to listen to reason, then head on to where Margh thought that the ruined Roman villa was. Two good goals, and it took about four hours to complete again. We're used to gaming for 2 1/2 or 3 hours, so these long sessions have been fun. The game was really rolling this time, so we managed a Fight! for each of the characters, and a Duel of Wits for Gareth. The Burning Wheel was definitely turning. Two maps for this session:

Baron Gwithion's Keep
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p254/ArcheiosAggelos/BaronGwithionsKeep2.gif

and the Ruined Villa
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p254/ArcheiosAggelos/TheRuinedVilla2.gif

Hope someone is reading. :)

[ArcheiosAggelos]

Old Hearths and New - Calling on the Baron

The adventure begins with the characters traveling on the road toward the Baron’s Keep. On the way, they encounter the English mercenary yet again. He reluctantly invites them to share lunch, and introduces himself as Michael, saying that he is trying to seek an audience with Gwithion or his Captain to see if he can offer him better pay than Talek.

They reach the keep together, and Gareth immediately goes to see Mordreth, the captain of the guard, whose house is just outside the keep. The characters introduce Michael and tell him of the death of Father Lucas, and that they have other important news for the Baron. Gareth asks him why the Baron will do nothing; Mordreth simply replies that, after a visit to England a few years ago, the Baron has been unusually remote and morose. The captain’s wife gives the characters some bread and ale while Mordreth dresses himself in his uniform. Margh shoots the man a glance, warning him to be wary of Michael. He seems to notice.

The captain is able to get the party inside the walls, but tells them to wait outside the keep while he attempts to persuade the Baron to see them. While in the courtyard, they see the sacred tree. Gareth knows that this tree was blessed when St. Augustine himself slept beneath it and was granted a vision from God as to how best to convert the British. He tells this story to Michael, who nods in assent. Margh corrects the Bastard, saying that there was an ancient goddess of light who was killed by the fomori and buried on the spot, where the great Hawthorn then grew. Both agree that the tree has great healing powers, and, indeed, a young nobleman is sleeping beneath it. He is Cary, whom Gareth has heard of, a distant relation of the king who is not well-liked at court. The two have an instant affinity. Cary is nursing a nasty spear wound, and says that he was attacked by bandits when traveling through Talek’s lands on his way to stay with Gwithion. Margh and Gareth exchange glances, but remain silent.

Baron Gwithion finally grants them an audience. The three go into the keep and are introduced by Mordreth, who quickly takes his leave and quietly wishes them luck. Gwithion is extremely cold to Gareth. Margh offers a gift: a beautiful painted vase from the continent which he was holding onto. The baron and his sister, Gareth’s mother, are impressed with the young peddler, pointing out that this is how a peasant should treat his lord. When told of the priest’s murder, Gwithion says that it is the church’s business, and that he might dispatch men if the church asks, but otherwise will remain out of the situation. The characters are exasperated. Finally, Margh tells the Baron that Talek has been amassing men, and Margh mentions that Talek has contacted him, attempting to undermine Gwithion. The baron seems to listen, but says that he must think and not be too hasty. The characters then introduce Michael, insinuating that he is working for Talek; the mercenary glares at them, but carefully talks his way out and offers service. Gwithion says that he doesn’t know why he would need another soldier. Again, the characters are flabbergasted. He then takes his leave.

Gareth’s mother, Gwynith, embraces her son after the Baron leaves, smiling and saying that she notices that he still bears his father’s sword. The Bastard tells her that she must tell him the truth about his father sometime, and she simply says that it is not right to do so now. She promises to speak to the Baron when the sup in his quarters tonight, to try to convince him to listen, then leaves, saying that she will arrange quarters for the two of them and order the servants to prepare a nice meal, even if she and the Baron will not be joining them.

Gareth goes to see the old scribe whom he remembers from his boyhood. The man is extremely distractible, and seems nervous around Gareth, bringing up that he studied at the monastery. Gareth assumes something sinister is going on, and continues the conversation while looking around the room. What he discovers is not sinister, but rather comical: the scribe is practically unable to read and write! Gareth remembered him as wise, but now that he knows his letters himself, he sees that the man only composes complete sentences about half the time. He has two books, a Bible and a copy of Ovid. Gareth, in a humorous mood, comments that Ovid was a great historian of the emperor’s, and a good Christian. The scribe agrees.

While this is going on, Margh and Michael are sitting at the tree in the courtyard and looking around. They then go to the kitchens and begin to get quite drunk together. The two are beginning to like one another.

Gareth then visits the new priest, Father Matthew. The two have a nice conversation. Matthew, unlike the Baron, is extremely nervous about the priest’s murder, and promises to have the Sheriff and some men dispatched after speaking to the Baron.

That evening, a great feast is made. Those present are: Gareth; Margh; Michael; the young nobleman, Cary; a third son of an English noble named Harold, whose father has little use for him and so sends him around to make contacts with distant lords; and the priest, Father Matthew. All have a good time, particularly with Harold, who speaks broken Cornish and seems to care about little. Things get awkward when Margh mentions that the Hawthorne tree is actually an ancient goddess of life, slain by the fomori. The priest shoots Gareth a look, and then attempts to convert him. Margh is unimpressed. The situation is only diffused when Cary, apologizing for his blasphemy, says that he doesn’t understand why men cannot take wisdom from all faiths, saying that he needs all the gods he can get. The Father, frustrated, takes his leave. Harold goes out of the keep to sleep with the Tanner’s daughter, the rest go to bed.

A short, humorous scene follows as Gareth shows Margh to his quarters and explains what a bed and a chamber pot is. Pwyll and Arawn, who had been waiting outside the keep, are let in and immediately sleep on the bed. Margh doesn’t understand the bed, but agrees to try it anyway. Gareth goes to his own rooms, but wakes in the middle of the night after a disturbing dream…

[ArcheiosAggelos]

Burning Britannia
Chapter Two – New Hearths and Old
Knives in the Dark

Four men, dark, hooded. They fly to the tops of the walls on the wings of angels and are set gently upon the stone. Quickly they do their work, killing the two guards pacing on that section, and then move silently into the courtyard. Without a single pause, they deposit something into the well and then are within the keep through a window on the ground floor.

The kitchen is burning, covered in fire and blood. Death waits in the hearth, grinning from beneath his cowl and brandishing his scythe. The Baron’s table in the great hall is overturned, and the bread and wine spilled to the floor. His great chair of oak is split asunder.

And then the Baron’s own guard falls at the foot of the stair to his chamber, and two of the assassins are up the stairs like a fast wind. Screaming and the clash of steel echoes from the stone walls.

Through it all, a woman sings in the tongue of the ancients. The melody is that of the island, but the words speak of Roman gods and loss, and a boy left for dead when he should never have been forgotten. The matron is pretty and forlorn, and she knows. She knows everything that you could possibly ask about the boy.

[ArcheiosAggelos]

Old Hearths and New - Intruders in the Keep

Gareth wakes and immediately rouses Margh, telling him that something is afoot and describing his dream. The two make a brief plan in the room, but then hear a heavy thud outside the door. They run out and find the guard there dead. Gareth runs up the stairs to the Baron’s quarters, trying to wake him. Margh starts banging on doors, shouting, “Alarm! Enemies are in the keep! Alarm!” He turns from a door and is confronted by a cloaked assassin with a sword and dagger, who attacks. Margh is pushed back, but, manages to slip under the assassin’s guard and cut him with his axe. While the man, draws back his sword to strike in return, Margh slams his axe into his gut, then quickly buries it in his head.

Gareth manages to rouse the Baron, who grabs his great sword and then comes downstairs to defend his keep himself, despite his age. The two wake Powyn, the Baron’s brother, another old man, who also arms himself. Margh manages to wake the wounded Cary and orders him to bar the door to Gwynith’s room and protect her. Harold is nowhere to be found.

Margh, the Baron, and Powyn make their way downstairs, the Baron yelling for his men and wondering where they all are. They head into the kitchen, and find the table overturned. As the Baron investigates, another assassin leaps from the fireplace and stabs him in the back with his dagger. Gareth assaults the man, showing amazing swordplay for his skill, dashing under his guard and cutting him several times across the arms before running him through.

(The characters rolled incredibly this session. Both were outmatched in these fights, but absolutely dominated their opposition. I think they have a false sense of confidence now…)

While Gareth is tending to his uncle’s wounds, discovering that they are not fatal, Margh finds a third intruder sneaking into the chapel. He overtakes the man before he can turn around and dispatches him. Margh then manages to make his way outside the keep, still shouting for help. He finds two dead guards, and a crowd of men at the barracks. Michael is there too, and he has killed a fourth assassin. One of the men calls Margh, “m’lord,” which he quickly corrects, but is also very flattered.

The group meets back in the kitchen, where the Baron is treated by Gareth and Father Matthew. Exhausted, they go to bed, with the Baron ordering them to attend him first thing in the morning in the great hall.

When they rise, they find that the Baron has been holding audiences, and is dispatching men throughout the Barony to conduct a muster. He is impressed with the characters, and seems a little bit warm toward Gareth. He asks Margh what he wants, as he showed great heroism. Margh is taken aback, as he has no idea what he could want from the Baron, but eventually requests only that the lord treat his friend, Gareth, with kindness. Now Gwithion is taken aback, and asks Gareth what he wants. Gareth replies that he wants only to serve the Baron…as his nephew. Gwithion assents, and says that the two will stand beside him in battle when Talek moves. The two agree, but rethink their requests.

Michael informs the lord that Talek will move in four weeks. He also says that he is definitely out of his service now, and would like to work for the Gwithion. Cary confirms that the assassins were dressed the same as the bandits who waylaid him in Talek’s lands. The Baron sends all of the characters out on the muster. Margh and Gareth say that they have an errand of their own in the north east. The Baron agrees to let them go, telling them to gather whatever men they can in that direction on their way back, and offering them access to his armory and whatever they want from the keep. The two get a bit of armor for themselves and make their way to the villa.

[ArcheiosAggelos]

Old Hearths and New - The Ruined Villa

On the way out of the small village surrounding the keep, Margh says that, so long as he is allowed anything by the Baron, he would like a kiss. Fortuitously, the two see a young lass of about fifteen running an errand. Gareth calls her over and introduces Margh as a hero. He then asks for a kiss. The girl demurely assents, kissing him passionately, then whispering, “That was me first kiss! And from a hero!” before running off. Margh feels good about himself.

It is evening by the time the characters to the point in the road where Margh thinks that they must turn off to find the villa. They wander on the downs, with a growing sense of foreboding, for over an hour before spotting the overgrown remnants of a path winding between two hills. They god through, into a bit of a valley, and see the old villa. Neither know what to make of the thing, but approach to broken doors of bronze at the entrance. Margh is extremely wary, knowing that there are spirits of the good folk in places such as this. Gareth doesn’t stop his pagan prayers.

Margh remains at the entrance with his dogs, who refuse to enter the place. Gareth walks into the atrium and begins to investigate the alcoves, each of which bears a bust of a Roman man. When Margh sees one of these from the light cast by Gareth’s torch, he rushes in and shouts, “Gareth, there are men here!” while drawing his axe. Gareth reassures him that they are just the images of men, but Margh doesn’t relinquish his weapon. Gareth is able to determine that the villa was owned by a family called the Caecilii after reading the inscriptions on the busts.

The two then hear soft but fast footsteps from farther within the villa. Margh wants to leave, but Gareth refuses. The dogs are told to guard the entrance, and the two investigate further. They find signs of great wealth, including a strange dining room where men ate lying on couches. They see murals on the walls depicting the ancient myths of Daphne and Apollo, and Orpheus’ journey into the underworld. Margh impressed when Gareth is able to interpret the pictures.

The characters then enter the great court in the middle of the villa, which is open to the sky. There is a large pool in the center, filled with standing, murky water. Looking in, Gareth is shocked to see the image of a woman, seeming to reach out of the water and beckon him in. He jumps back, but when Margh looks in he sees nothing.

Pressing on, the two find another set of great bronze doors, these still on their hinges. Opening them, they see broken statues of figures and an alcove set into the far wall, containing small images of men and the inscription, “LARES CAECILII.” Margh says another prayer to the old gods. They then hear the footsteps again, and rush into the hallway to see what they were, but find nothing.

Investigating the bedrooms, they do manage to find a small wooden chest containing old Roman coins of silver and gold. Margh warns of stealing from the dead, but Gareth hangs onto them. Then the door into the next bedroom creaks open. Gareth sees a soft, warm light streaming out, but Margh doesn’t notice it. As Gareth starts to enter the room, Margh hears footsteps again in the hall, and whirls to confront whoever is coming their way. When he turns around again, he sees Gareth entering the other bedroom, and the door promptly slams shut behind him.

Margh is now quite frightened and pushes all of the crumbling furniture he can against the door into the hall, then attempts to open to other door, through which Gareth has disappeared. It seems barred and locked. Margh begins to batter at it with his axe.

Meanwhile, Gareth is having a very strange encounter of his own…

* * * * *

There was a beautiful, regal looking woman sitting on the strange bed. The room seemed quite fresh, untouched by time, not at all like the rest of the place. Addressing Gareth in Latin, she said, “Welcome. I knew that you would come. Please sit and speak with me. I am Metella Caecilii, and this is my home.”

Gareth was stunned, but managed a small bow. “I am Gareth, and it is an honor to be in your presence, lady.”

“Tell me, Gareth,” she said, “How did you come here, to my house?”

“It was a dream, lady, a strange dream where I saw this place.”

“Ah, yes,” she replied, smiling a little, “It would be that way, wouldn’t it. I know why you’ve come. You are here to rebuild my home, to make it whole once more.”

Gareth paused. “What of your son, lady? I saw you birth your son.”

Metella’s face changed. “My son?” She did not speak, but only mouthed the words. “You know of my son? Oh, Gareth, he was never even given a name…The poor boy never even had a name…”

A large pool of blood began to form where the woman was sitting, seeping all over the bed and staining everything. Gareth felt himself begin to sweat and shiver.

* * * * *

[ArcheiosAggelos]

Old Hearths and New - Conclusion

Things get really interesting now. Gareth pressed the strange woman to tell him what she could of her son, whom she died birthing, and asked her if she knew anything of his heritage. He also said that, if she wanted him to rebuild the villa, he would obviously need riches to do so. She seemed to have answers to both questions, but refused to answer. She was single-minded in her determination to convince the young man to rebuild the villa. He refused to back down, too, however, pressing her for information.

(A Duel of Wits now followed. Again, I couldn’t believe my players’ luck. Gareth had a horrible first roll, but then spent his one Deeds point to reroll all misses…and got all sixes. Of course, a Fate later, and those were open-ended, taking Metella down to a single Body of Argument point. She managed to make quite a good point herself, but was easily dispatched in the next volley. Margh’s player’s comment: Best Deeds point ever, dude!”)

After an impassioned plea by Gareth, Metella tired and seemed swayed. She knew that he would never rebuild her home. She refused to tell him everything he wanted to know, however, but agreed to let him keep the chest of coins, and told him that if he wanted to know more, he should find the old shrine on the villa grounds.

While all of this was going on, however. Margh was still chopping at the door. Gareth heard none of it. Then, the other door, blocked by a heavy couch, began to shake violently. The couch was shoved aside, but then everything stopped. Margh couldn’t take it anymore. He ran to the door and looked into the hallway. An arrow was loosed and flew past his head, clattering on the wall. Margh saw another of Talek’s assassins turn and run. They were followed! Margh pursued and hurled his axe at the fleeing man, but missed. Continuing his pursuit, he saw the man run into the open courtyard, stumble, and fall headlong into the pool. He never came up. Margh was not surprised; he knew what happened when one meddled with ghosts.

Returning to the room, he saw Gareth reemerge from the other bedroom. He seemed pale, and told him what had happened. When Margh investigated, the room appeared just as dilapidated as the rest of the villa. Gareth made his way out again, Margh following, and the two began investigating the rest of the grounds. Farther along the path, to the north, they found a small stone building, much older than the rest of the place, of limestone, with no roof. Only four square walls stood there. Margh was very hesitant, but Gareth simply had to go in.

Inside, the two found an ancient stone well of the same limestone, square, and not deep. With some persuasion, Margh tied a weighted stone to some rope, and Gareth lowered it, testing the depths. In addition to discovering how shallow the well was, he noticed an opening in the side at the bottom. Margh grabbed and checked himself, finding the same hole, and noticing that the water felt like it was moving. He then found another opening on the other side. Gareth insisted that Margh lower him into the well.

Once at the bottom, Gareth found two large holes broken in the limestone, one on each of two opposite sides, and just tall enough for a man. An underground river ran through the openings, and the sides of the tunnels appeared to be a mixture of natural earth and manmade stone work. Gareth fished around at the bottom and found a beautifully ornamented silver brooch of Roman design, totally untarnished. He resisted the urge to put the trinket on immediately.

After being hoisted up, Gareth showed Margh the clasp. Margh warned him to be careful with it, and the two made camp for the night.