Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Roses & Wyght - Chapter 2

(Read the Previous Chapter Here.)

Game System: Adventurers!
Tools: rpgsolo.com solo engine; playeveryrole.com solo engine; fantasynamegenerator.com; npcgenerator.com; other random generators

Setup

Let’s give this county/kingdom a name using fantasynamegenerator.com: Arigord

Chapter 2

[Scene 1]

The next day and Bhartram and Leira are both at their home, awaiting the arrival of their father who is expected to return today. Liera is inside, straightening up after breakfast. Bhart is out in the yard chopping some wood for the cooking fire. About this time Benny, the 10-year-old son of one of the farmers, comes running up the road.

Does Bhart notice the boy?
(50/50 | 2[d10]) No

Does the boy call out?
(Likely | 7[d10]) Yes

Come quickly! Come quickly!” Benny cries as he runs toward the house.

Bhartram looks up when he hears the youth.

Come! Come with me!”

What is it Benny?” Bhart asks.

It’s your father! He’s been attacked!”

Bhartram’s eyes grow wide at the news. “Leira! It’s dad!” Then to the boy, “Where is he?”

Is Bhart's father at 1) Benny's farm, or 2)being taken to the healer?
1 = 1[d2] Farm

He’s at the farm,” Benny explains, which makes sense since his family’s farm is on the outskirts of the village. “My father sent for the healer.”

By this time Leira has existed the house and is looking quizzically at her brother.

What’s wrong?” she asks.

Benny says he’s been attacked. Come on!” Bhartram takes off after the young lad down the road.

[Scene 2]

Has the healer arrived?
(Likely | 10[d10]) Yes, and...

Is Mr. Rosemight still alive?
(Likely | 10[d10]) Yes, and…

Is Harper at the farm?
(Unlikely | 5[d10]) No, but...

Bhartram arrives at the farm with Leira close behind. As he approaches he can see his father’s cart and a small crown of villagers have assembled around it. When he reaches the cart he sees the silver curled hair and brown skin of Fira [RG], the healer, bending over him. She is already busy bandaging up wounds and applying healing salves (and), but Traugott Rosemight [RG] has been beaten badly and doesn’t look like he has long to live.

Father!” Bhart cries. “What happened?”

Before Traugott can speak, Fira acknowledges the younger Rosemight’s arrival. “Bhart. Good, you’re here. Your father’s been calling for you and your sister.” (and)

Dad, I’m here,” Bhart says as Leira runs up behind him. She gasps at his bruised face, but keeps her composure.

Dad, it’s Leira. I’m here too.”

Traugott opens his eyes weakly and gazes at his children. “Bhart. Leira.” That all he says, but a weak smiles crosses his face.

What can Traugott tell them?
(C.Q.) Fight / Dispute

What happened?” his son asks. “Who did this to you?”

With difficulty, the elder Rosemight speaks. “Several men, wearing armor met me on the road. Stopped me, said they were collecting donations for the king’s cause.” Traugott coughs, then continues. “Didn’t believe them. Think they just saw I was a single merchant and thought they could get some of my coin. I refused. They forced the matter and reached for my coin chest. I struggled but . . . “ He trails off in a fit of coughing.

It’s okay, Dad,” Leira calmed, putting a hand on his arm. “Just rest. Don’t talk.”

What did they look like?” Bhartram asked, as Leira shoots him an icy look for demanding more from their father.

Dark hair. Beard.” He closes his eyes to think. “Another was lighter.”

Those are them men I saw in at the Filthy Princess yesterday!” Leira exclaims.

Bhartram looks up to the crowd. “Who found him? Who brought my father back.”

A tall, thin man with short brown hair speaks up. “I did. My son and I riding toward Smoothpost [RG] when we came across his cart just sitting on the side of the road.”

Did you see these men?”

No, we were travelling from Swifthaven. They would have been well ahead of us.”

Then sound of horses hooves could be heard approaching as Harper Wyghtwing rode up, (but) dismounted and rushed over to stand beside Leira, placing his arm around her for comfort.

What is going on?” he asks, seeing Traugott for the first time.

He was beaten by highwaymen,” Leira explains when her father winces and begins coughing uncontrollably.

Fira quickens her pace applying bandages to the wounds, but it’s no use as blood flows from a dagger wound that Bhartram had not noticed before, staining his father’s shirt a deep crimson. With a slight gasp, Traugott stopps breathing and collapses lifeless in the cart. Leira takes in a quick breath and begins to sob. Harper pulls her closer.

I’m sorry,” apologizes Fira. “The wounds were just too much.”

Without a word Bhartram stands and turns to his sister. “You know these men?”

I . . . I saw them at the inn. . .”

Where were they going?”

I . . . I don’t . . .”

Impatient, Bhart grabs her arm roughly and once again demands, “Where did they go!”

Hey,” Harper exclaims removing his own hand from around Leira’s shoulder and placing it on Bhart to push him back. “Take it easy.”

Bhart swats the hand away. “Keep your hands off of me!”

They said something about going to the Duskcall,” Leira finally says, hoping to stay off any confrontation.

Bhartram gives Harper one last warning glance before turning and storming off in the direction of his home. The crowd watches as he leaves, leaving him to his grief.

[Scene 3]

Does Harper escort Leira home?
(Very Likely (he’s concerned about her) | 8[d10]) Yes

After a while, Harper walks Leira back to her home, leading his horse by the reigns. As they approach the small shop, they see Bhartram securing a pack to his dappled grey horse [RG]. His sword hangs from his belt.

What are you doing!?” Leira yells as she runs to her brother.

I’m gonna hunt those dogs down.”

You don’t know who they are or where they went.”

You said they were going to Duskcall. And someone on the way would have seen them. If not, I’ll ask everyone I meet when I get to the capital.”

You are going to get yourself killed. Don’t be foolish,” Leira begs.

I’m not letting them get away with this.”

Then . . . then I’m going with you! I know what they look like.”

No! You are staying here. It’s too dangerous.” With that he mounts his horse and nudges it forward.

Does Harper 1) try to dissuade him, or 2) physically try to stop him?
1 = 1[d2]

She right, you know,” Harper chimes in. “You’re going to get yourself killed.”

I can handle myself. You know, you’re not the only one around here who know how to handle a sword.” Bhart gives his horse a kick and takes off down the road.

Harper, you’ve got to stop him!” Leira pleads.

How does Harper respond?
(C.Q.) Praise / Ambush

Why? He wants to go off and be the big hero. Hooray for Bhartram Rosemight, Avenger of his father’s death! Who am I to stop him?”

Harper!” Leira scolds, hands on hips and face reddened with anger. “You can’t just let him die!”

Leira, he is right, at least in regards to his skill with a weapon. I’ve seen him. Besides, he’ll probably never find the guys.”

Then I guess I have to go after him myself,” Leira exclaims as she spins toward the house, her blonde curls flinging around behind her.

Harper runs after her. “Now you’re being foolish.” She does not stop. “Okay. Okay.” he gives in. “I’ll go after him. Let me go back to my house to get some supplies and let my parents know that I’ll be gone. Bhart won’t get far. He’ll have to stop to camp for the night and I will catch up to him then.”

Does Leira insist on going?
(50/50 | 9[d10]) Yes

Come by before you leave. I’ll be ready.”

Ready? You’re not going.”

I’m either coming with you or I’m following after you,” Leira explained. “You really can’t go after my brother and keep me here at the same time.”

Does Harper give in?
(50/50 | 10[d10]) Yes, and...

Harper is well aware of the girl’s stubbornness and realizes that this will eventually be a losing battle. “Ok then, I’ll stop by. And make sure you bring a weapon. We might just need another hand.” (and)

Leira smiles a wicked grin. “I’ll bring two.”

End of Chapter 2

Chapter Wrap Up:

Contrary to Adventurers! protocol, I am deciding not to award any experience for this chapter because the characters didn’t really do anything to advance themselves,

Thoughts on Chapter 2

I realize this chapter is heavy on the narrative and rather light on the random decisions and outcomes. As I mentioned at the end of chapter 1, I had a lot of time to think about this story and I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to happen to spark our heroes to adventure. Still, I tried to throw some random options in here and there to mix it up a bit and not make it simply about the story I already had in mind. I expect that with the trio leaving the village the “solo roleplaying” (as opposed to storytelling) will begin to pick up.

(Continue the story here.)


No comments:

Post a Comment