Begin a Session
Johnny has a new manager for his fledgling adventurer's guild - Tiffany Swiftblade. She has tasked Johnny with getting a second ship for the guild by capturing one from pirates.
Likely(87)No
"And you're no closer to finding the culprit?"
"No, my lord."
"I really think you ought to give up this vendetta. All this searching is distracting you from your work."
"But my lord, this is my work. If the other gangs see that someone can attack one of our labs without a response, they'll start attacking all of our businesses."
"If that happens, we'll find someone to make an example of."
"My lord, if someone insulted your honor, you'd challenge them to a duel, correct? This is our version of that. Someone has to pay."
"Hmm, very well. I'll give you one more week, two at most. But, Havoc?"
"Yes, my lord?"
"Keep the money flowing, or I'll have your fucking head."
"Of course, my lord."
Momentum:7 → 8
Johnny stands on the deck of the Spearhead with Tiffany by his side. The plan is simple - sail to a known pirate hotspot, find a suitable ship, board it and capture the crew, sail it back to Erast and claim it.
"There's a lot that can go wrong with this plan, you know," says Johnny.
"You chickening out, captain?" asks Tiffany.
"No, just pointing out that we don't even know who we're after, or who their friends are."
"We'll be fine, you'll see."
Face Danger(Wits)—7 vs 10|5 Momentum:8 → 7
It takes them a while to find the right ship - some targets are too small to bother with, some are too big to tangle with, but eventually they find one that's just right. They spot the Cursed Ship Name(31)Dragon's Bite, at anchor and unprepared for battle. The Spearhead moves in to board them before they can get away.
Battle(Edge)—8 vs 10|10match
The pirates are able to escape the Spearhead easily, dealing serious damage to the ship in the process, as well as to the crew's morale.
Flagship / Integrity:5 → 3 Withstand Damage(Flagship / Integrity)—4 vs 8|10 Momentum:7 → 5
"Well, that was a huge balls-up," says Johnny as the crew patch up the ship as best they can.
"Perhaps the guild could be a bit better trained in these matters," says Tiffany. "Let's try again and see if we fare any better."
"I'd really rather head back to port and get patched up."
"We're here now, and the damage wasn't that bad. We can do this," says Tiffany. "We just need the right target."
Face Danger(Wits)—8 vs 2|8 Momentum:5 → 4
Once again it's not easy to spot a likely target, but eventually they spy the Ship Name(81)Stormwatch , and move in to board.
Battle(Edge)—7 vs 4|3 Momentum:4 → 6
The Spearhead performs much better this time and are able to outmaneuver the Stormwatch and perform a boarding action. As his crew swarm onto the enemy deck, Johnny swings over to the pirate vessel on a rope hanging down from the mast and nearly sprains his ankle on the landing. The battle rages around him and he spots the enemy captain. They lock eyes and start approaching each other, cutlasses in hand. They close the distance and begin circling each other.
"If you and your men surrender, we'll let you leave with your lives," says Johnny.
Compel(Heart)—8 vs 4|1
"You're not here for the bounty?" asks the pirate.
"Just the ship. We'll give you provisions and a rowboat, you can make it to shore from here in a day or two."
The pirate throws down his sword. "Better than the hangman's noose," he says. "Surrender, men, they're letting us go free," he yells over the roar of battle. Word gets around and the pirates gradually surrender to the guild members.
Johnny keeps his word and gives the disarmed pirates a rowboat and enough provisions to make it to shore. They start rowing, and the guild members search the Stormwatch.
Cargo(68)Rum or grog
Cargo(79)Tea
The ship is carrying some trade goods which will be sold in Erast and the money reinvested into the guild. A skeleton crew led by Tiffany transfers to the Stormwatch and the convoy of two heads back to Erast.
Set a Course(Supply)—10 vs 3|10 Momentum:6 → 4
Both ships are damaged, so it takes them longer than expected to return to Erast. They head to the shipwright to get the ships repaired, and Tiffany goes into town to get the paperwork dealt with for the ownership of the Stormwatch.
Repair(Supply)—9 vs 1|8 Flagship / Integrity:3 → 5
The Spearhead's repairs are relatively straightforward but the Stormwatch needs a refit that will take a while longer, which gives Tiffany more time to find a crew for it.
Later, Johnny and Tiffany are in the guild hall. "Well, that could have gone better," Johnny says.
"Hey, we did what we set out to do. But you're right, it did highlight the fact that we need better trained crews. I'm going to institute a training regimen for everyone, focusing on combat," says Tiffany.
"What's next then, a third ship?"
"No, we only need two - one for routine jobs and one for Ernesto's special jobs. Next, we wait for Ernesto to contact us, and deal with anyone who walks in the front door in the meantime. And train our men up while we're at it, of course."
Does Ernesto contact them? 50/50(61)No
Johnny is sitting in his guildmaster's office, wishing he were in the Three Lillies. There's a knock at the door, and Dobby, one of the guild's junior members, sticks his head round the door. "There's someone here about a job."
Johnny sits up in his chair. "Show them in," he says. A short, scruffy man enters, and sits down opposite Johnny.
"My name's Moniker(50)Pegleg ," says the man.
"But you have both of your legs," says Johnny.
"Still, that's what they call me. Now listen close and listen good, I have the opportunity of a lifetime for you. I won this in a game of cards." He produces something from his pocket and slides it across Johnny's desk.
"It's a compass," says Johnny.
"Aye, but look closer."
Johnny peers at the compass. "It's a compass," he says.
"Look at the needle! It ain't pointing north!" says Pegleg.
"So, it's a broken compass," says Johnny.
"Lad, haven't you heard of enchanted compasses that don't point north? They point to treasures, or your heart's desire, or somesuch."
"No, I'm sure it's just broken."
"Listen, I know this compass points to something big, but I haven't a ship of my own. You take your ship and follow the compass, and we'll split whatever prize you find fifty-fifty."
"Look, if you're so good at cards perhaps you'll win a ship the next time you play? Then you'll be able to keep the whole prize for yourself," says Johnny.
"You'll regret this when another captain grabs the prize before you," says Pegleg, snatching back his compass and walking to the door. "You're making the biggest mistake of your life." Johnny waves goodbye as Pegleg leaves.
Johnny waits in his office for a job to come in. He's so bored that he almost starts doing some paperwork, but is saved at the last minute by Dobby with another visitor. A man walks into the room and introduces himself as Elric, the younger son of Lord Brighton.
Character Goals(24)Defeat a rival
Story Clue(77)Leads to a nearby or familiar place
"Have you heard of The Bluecoat Bandit?" asks Elric. "He's been terrorising the roads around town, robbing merchants and giving most of what he steals to the common folk so they don't talk."
"I haven't, but go on."
"Well, I'm telling you this in the strictest confidence, but he's actually my older brother. He's just playing at being a folk hero, when in fact he's the heir to a moderate fortune."
"Why is he doing it? To oppose the queen?"
"I rather think it's to impress the ladies, if I'm honest. The point is, if he's killed or captured, he'll lose his inheritance and I'll stand to inherit a title and my father's fortune."
"You want your own brother killed?"
"No, no, of course not, it's just politics."
"Fine, we'll deal with the Bluecoat Bandit, by iron I swear."
Swear an Iron Vow(Heart)—6 vs 4|5 Momentum:4 → 6
09 - Kill or Capture the Bluecoat Bandit
"Excellent. He has a base somewhere in the Howling Woods, it's not a large forest so it should be relatively easy to find."
"How many men does he have?"
"Oh, it's just him and a couple of college friends. They really only attack lone travelers and wagons."
"Fine. Leave it with me, we'll take care of it."
"Splendid."
The next morning, Johnny and Tiffany head off to the Howling Woods.
"Why do they call it the Howling Woods?" asks Tiffany as they walk.
"I'm not sure, maybe it's full of wolves?" says Johnny.
"Maybe the wind howls through the trees," says Tiffany.
"I guess we'll find out soon enough," says Johnny.
Before long they arrive, and head into the woods, looking out for any sign of a bandit hideout.
Undertake an Expedition(Wits)—8 vs 4|3 09 - Find the bandit hideout +1 (3/10)
They come to a road that leads through the woods, and follow it for a while. Before long, Johnny notices an arrow stuck in a tree. "This must be an ambush site," he says. "See if you can find any tracks." They look around and see a set of footprints leading away, and follow in that direction.
Undertake an Expedition(Wits)—3 vs 6|7 09 - Bandits see Johnny and ambush him(0/Sundered Isles - Patrocia/Campaign - Johnathan Glass/Clocks/09 - Bandits see Johnny and ambush him.md) 09 - Bandits see Johnny and ambush himSundered Isles - Patrocia/Campaign - Johnathan Glass/Clocks/09 - Bandits see Johnny and ambush him.md → 0/1
They soon lose the trail. "Well, at least we narrowed the search down a bit," says Tiffany.
Undertake an Expedition(Wits)—7 vs 4|6 09 - Find the bandit hideout +1 (6/10)
They come across a clearing with archery targets set up. "We must be getting close," says Johnny. "Let's keep going in this direction."
Undertake an Expedition(Wits)—8 vs 5|4 09 - Find the bandit hideout +1 (9/10)
They see a thin line of smoke rising above the trees, and head in that direction.
Finish an Expedition(track)—9 vs 9|10 09 - Find the bandit hideoutcompleted 09 - Bandits see Johnny and ambush himresolved 09 - Kill or Capture the Bluecoat Bandit +1 (3/10)
They creep through the undergrowth until they are close enough to see a camp, with five men standing around talking. Three of the men are younger, and one has a bright blue coat on. One of the men is older wearing fine robes and a coronet. The final man looks dangerous - he is wearing leather armor and has his hand on the hilt of his sheathed longsword. Two horses are tethered nearby. Johnny and Tiffany can hear the conversation between the man in blue and the older man, which is starting to get heated.
"If you get caught, you'll lose your inheritance, boy!" says the older man. "Stop this bloody nonsense and come home."
"Father, you worry too much. If I get caught I've coin to buy my way out of trouble, and besides, that isn't going to happen. This is just a lark."
"Nothing is just a lark when titles are involved. If anyone gets wind that you're the Bluecoat Bandit, there will be a huge scandal. I'll have to disown you to save my own position."
"How will anyone ever know? I wear a mask."
"That bloody masquerade mask isn't going to stop anyone who knows you from recognizing you."
The conversation goes back and forth for a while. Johnny and Tiffany try to stay hidden in the bush until the lord and his man leave.
Face Danger(Shadow)—3 vs 1|4 Momentum:6 → 5
The conversation continues for hours, only ending when the man in armor says "My lord, it's time to leave if we want to get back before nightfall."
"This isn't over," says the lord, "We'll be back to continue this conversation if you're not home tomorrow." The lord and the armored man mount the horses and ride off. When they're gone, Johnny and Tiffany consider their options from their bush.
"Shall we just attack them?" whispers Johnny.
"Don't you want to bring them in alive?" asks Tiffany.
"Ideally, but we're outnumbered and lack transport."
"We could wait until they sleep and slit their throats," says Tiffany.
"Dark, but not a terrible idea. Kill the two bandits and arrest the ringleader, then march him back to town in the morning," says Johnny, "Let's go with that."
Next time: What could possibly go wrong?
End a Session Momentum:5 → 6