Vignor the Last Herdsman (5)
[Kal-Arath] Unexpected companionship, travels, and a bloody big axe
Game: Kal-Arath by Castle Grief
Supplements:
Previous sessions can be found here in: Ravenfire’s Actual Play Index
So this session(s) was a long time coming - work, sickness, life, and all the other crap that life throws at us got in the way. But good to be back, pen in one hand, dice in the other, keyboard in another…..
Hope you enjoy.
Day 9
Weather: (3) Light rain
Getting lost: Again, no roll today
Forage: (4) Good harvest (3) rations
POI: No roll today
Encounter: No roll, again today. He is destined for the Pit once more
Heal: (6)+1=7 (10/10hp)
I'm going to roll twice on the turning points/situations oracle. These may inspire an unexpected event if the day feels like it needs a little excitement.
(23) Sacrifice (33) EscapeVignor starts awake. The darkness all around him, a scraping noise echoing into the chamber. He is almost blinded as the cellar doors are swung open, letting the morning sun flood the chamber.
Lighting a candle, Vignor watches Isolde close the doors behind him.
“You’ve causes a stir. Have the village want to see you fight again, the other want to our” Isolde states.
“I have to do it” he replies. “I need a Seal.”
“Why? Your too old to want to join a warband, you won’t have a long career in the Arena”
Vignor rests the head against the wall, sighing. “The man, the recruiter. He is part of the same warband as the man who killed my son. I need to face him.” Vignor recites his sorry tale, opening up more then he wants. Surprised by his honesty, he apologises, and leaves the cellar, heading for the Pits. Isolde watches him intently as he leaves.
As he walks though Clearwallow, Vignor feels the stares up him. He heads straight for the Pits. The grounds beginning to gather already. Approaching the Announcer, Vignor signs up for another days battle.
“Well, if its not the Butcher of Clearwallow. We made some good money from you last night. Ready for another fight? Only try not to kill them this time.”
“I’ll fight. But I’m not the butcher.” Vignor replies. “I’ll go by the Last Herdsman.”
“Bit weak, it’ll do for the fringes. But if you reach the Arena, you’ll want to change that to something more fearsome. When your ready, enter the ring and we’ll get you swing again.”
Vignor doesn’t hesitate, entering the ring straight away.
Outer Steppes: Pit Fight
Armour: (6) Armoured [Reduces damage by 1]
Weapons: (5) Axe (d6) [On crit, disarm opponent]
Shields: (2) Allowed
Two weapons: (3) Not allowed
Match type: (1) Beasts
Opponent: (1) 3 fighting dogs (5), (3), (5) hp [-2 dodge when outnumbered]“Today” the Announcer calls “We have the Last Herdman, returning after his brutal battle yesterday. As its early, he shall fight in a beast match! We’ve 3 hungry dogs, starved for a day!”
The small crowd cheers, the bookmarkers already taking their bets.
A small man offers Vignor a sweaty, scarred leather jerkin, a battered shield and a battered looking axe. It looks more suited to chop wood then flesh. Vignor gears up and turns to see the dogs being released.
Round 1:
Initiative: (6) Vignor goes first. 9/10The dogs bark and snarl. He sees one dog with a stub of a tail [Stubby, 3/5hp], the second is missing its right eye [Eyeball, 0/3 hp] and the third a younger dog, full of raw strength [Pup, 5/5 hp]. The dogs begin to run towards Vignor.
Vignor: (6+2) (8) Hit 4 - kill eyeball
Stubby(7) (1dmg), reduced by 1 shield = 0
Pup: (11), dodge.
Round 2
Vignor first (4)(7+2)=9 hit dmg 2
2nd attack (5,5,2 = 7+2) 3 dmg - kill Stubby
Pup (6) hit = 2, reduced by 1.
Round 3:
Vignor first (6)7+2 = 9 hit 4 dmg
2nd attack (6,6,2) = 8+2, hit 5 dmg, Pup dead
FAME NOW 3.
30 SILVER
The crowd cheers as the last dog drops, Vignor stands, barely breaking a sweat. He looks up to the Recruiter. The man grants Vignor a small nod, and flicks a flat green stone to Vignor.
He tells Vignor that the recruits leave tomorrow, from a small camp to the north of Clearwallow. Vignor gathers his earnings and leaves the arena, heading to the market. If he leaves tomorrow, he needs some new gear. He decides to travel with the recruits. Learn what he can about this band of warriors. Hopefully get close to his prey.
Spear (4)x10s= 40
Light armour (1)x10s=10
Rations (1) = 5
Total cost: 55 silverAs Vignor packs his gear, he hears the yells of guards over his shoulder, turning he sees several Black Legion soldiers chasing a woman. Isolde! She runs past, fear in her eyes as she glances at Vignor. He doesn’t think, reaching for a market stall he pulls it over, throwing it into the path of the soldiers. He runs after Isolde, grabbing her arm and pulling her into an alley. Slowing down, they begin to sneak through town. Out of town, that's where they need to go. To the north. The guards will expect them to flee from the recruits camp, not go towards it.
Sneak (5,6)=11, success.
They hunker down in a barn on the edge of town. They hear the noise of the guards checking the streets, but no one approached. They hear their descriptions being given out, the guards demanding information on Vignor and Isolde's where-abouts. For now, the two fugitives feel safe.
Vignor asks Isolde what is going on. She tells Vignor that she belongs to a group of nomads who seek to bring down the Demon Lord. He seized control of the steppe by corrupting shrines, stone circles and other areas of power belonging to the old lord. She, and her Nomads reconcrete the shrines as an act of rebellion. This attracted the attention of the Black Legion and a warband. This emboldened the Nomads, knowing their act of rebellion was having an impact. They are now hunted, but they keep going.
Isolde asks Vignor why he helped her. He recounts his tale, spinning the green seal over his knuckles. That he couldn’t stand by and watch someone else's child die by their hands. He knows by helping Isolde, he will not be welcomed into the recruits camp. He has burnt that bridge. He tells Isolde that he will follow the camp at a distance, see where they go. He cannot join them, but he can use them. Isolde asks to travel with him a while, just till the next settlement, or till they see signs of the nomad. Vignor agrees.
With nothing to but wait, the two settle in for a night of waiting. The camp leaves tomorrow, so will they.
Day 10
Weather: (5) heavy rain - ½ travel speed
Getting lost: (6)-1 = all good
Forage: (4) -2, 2. Very little
POI: (4) Nothing
Encounter: (2) no encounterAs the sun crests the horizon, the pair set out. The wind howls, the rain is beating down, but they can’t risk the camp leaving without them. The driving rain makes sneaking out of town easy, heading towards the camp's dying campfire smoke.
They stay away from the main camp, but keep it in sight. They watch as they pack up and leave. Vignor rolls the seal over his fingers. Hopefully his sacrifice will be worth it.
The day is uneventful, a slow walk though the rain. They camp under a small rock face, no fire. They can’t risk it. Cold, shivering, they watch the fires of the camp.
Day 11
Weather: (3) light rain
Getting lost: Doesn’t make sense to roll, they are following others.
Forage: (1) barren
POI: (1) nothing
Encounter: (2) nothingOracle: does anything happen to bring the party and the camp together? (6) Yes and…
Maybe the ‘and’ is Vignor’s prey is in the camp.End session here - tired. XP +1 for meaningful session.The day is much like the ones before. They follow the camp, failing to find anything to eat. The camp is scaring off most game, and the meagre handful of berries is not enough to feed the two.
They hear the hoofs too late, a group of scouts from the camp approach, rounding the two up. The scouts (5) of them, demand to know what the two are doing. Vignor pulls hte seal from his pocket, and attempts to convince them that he was late, and is trying to catch the camp. Disadv presence: (4,4,5)+0=8
The scouts don’t seem convinced, why would Vignor be waiting instead of approaching the camp? They take Vignor and Isolde to the camp, bringing them to the camp leader.
Oracle: is the camp leader, Vignors target? (5) yes. Oh bugger.
NPC:
Name: Kors the Butcher
Motivation (26): Fulfil Duty
Traits: (21) Violent
HP17/17The scouts push Vignor and Isolde forwards through the moving camp, towards a large man atop a huge horse. Shaggy hair, lank, hangs down his back. The back, covered in scars. A large axe sheafed at the horse's flank. Vignor knows that axe. Its him. Biting his tongue, he attempts to swallow his rage.
“Horselord Kors” a scout announces. Kors stops his horse, turning to face the scouts and Vignor. His gruff voice curtly demands “What?”
The scouts tell Kors how they found the party. Kors glares at them, “kill them, leave their corpses for the scavengers.”
Vignor shouts “No!” trembling with rage he continues “You kill my son. You destroyed my village. You destroyed my life. Face me.”
Isolde is shocked, she pleads with Vignor to stay quite, he ignores her. Kors laughs, his huge shoulders rocking.
“Face me coward” Vignor continues “Face me, one on one. A duel”
Kors laughs, and dismounts his horse. “I would tell my men to stop the caravan for such a demand, but you aren;t worth the time. Guards, keep the caravan going, I’ll catch up.” Kors pulls his great axe from his horse's saddle, squaring up to Vignor. The camp caravan continues, framing their battlefield as travellers part around them.
Kors: Warlord stat block, 17/17 hp. Keeping his axe the same stats as the Rune Sword.
Initiative: (2) Kors goes first.As Kors approaches, Vignor jabs with his spear, raging (4 rounds), he seizes initiative. (5,2)+2=9, hit. (5)+(4) rage dmg, reduced 1. Kors 9/17. Vignor, attacks again, disadv (5,6,6)+2=13 hit. Dmg 3. This damage feels low, I don’t fancy Vignors chances. I’m tempted to save the re-roll for later, another chance at a death save. But, I also think we need to do as much damage as quickly as possible. Vignor won’t survive a drawn out combat.
Fate point re-roll. (6 spear, rage 6) = 12, explode (4 spear, 6 rage), explode (4) = 12+10+4 = 24. Holy shit.
Kors underestimates Vignor. He lifts his great axe high above his head, stepping up to Vignor. As he swings down, Vignor steps closer still, too close for Kors’ axe to benefit from its full swing. Vignor thrusts his spear up, targeting the fleshy underside of the jaw. The spear bites, and Vignor pushes with all his might. Every ounce of hatred, every bit of pain, every bit of agony goes into the thrust. His voice is raw with the bestial scream. Vignor twists the spear as it reaches Kors’ brain.
Kors body stiffens, his eyes wide in shock, the momentum from the axe swing pulls him forwards and his body falls limp. The shaft of the spear digs into the soft wet earth propping Kors body up like a grotesque marotte.
Vignor stands, stunned. The world is quite around him. He doesn’t see, nor does he hear the the screams, the shouts, the riot of the passing camp. He picks up Kors axe, feeling its heft in his hand. Swinging it, he severs Kors head from his body. Vignor slumps to his knees, tears streaming down his face as exhaustion washed over him.
Isolde grabs him, shouting his name. Vignor looks up to see her confused frightened face. “Isolde. I did it. He is dead. Altayan. He can rest now. I can rest.”
Isolde nods her head over Vignor’s shoulder. He turns to see he is watched. Four sit atop their horses. One he recognises as the Recruiter. The other three are new faces. One weaselly looking, greasy man. One old warrior, hair streaked with grey, the passage of time marked on his face. The third, a woman, her eyes fixed on Vignor.
“Kors the Butcher is no more.” She speaks “Spread word amongst the Elected. A new Horselord will be chosen tonight.” The weaselly man, and the Recruiter nod, turn and leave.
“Great Lord Akkai, what shall the fate of this one be?” she asks the old man.
A smile cracks his face. A small shake of his head. The woman looks surprised, but swiftly follows the man as he turns his horse and leaves.
Vignor and Isolde watch the party leave. The camp passes them by. The rest of the camp witnessed the gruesome visage of Kors head impaled on Vignor’s spear.
As the dust settles and the camp caravan fades into the distance, Isolde turns to Vignor.
“What now? What do we do?”
Vignor sighs, his body is weary. His soul exhausted. Pushing himself to his feet, he shifts the weight of Kors’, no. Not Kors, Vignor’s great axe to his shoulder.
“We resist.”
END OF CAMPAIGN ONE OF VIGNOR THE LAST HERDSMAN.
Oh boy. What an end. This is the longest, and most successful Kal-Ararth campaign I’ve had. All others have ended in failure. The Dice Gods smiled upon Vignor throughout this campaign.
Now, let's wrap up the session. Kors must have had some loot after all….
D3 rolls on the Boss room loot table: 2 items:
(54) Healing salve (6) applications
(65) Masterwork chainmail (medium, 2 dmg reduction, 1 extra for masterwork.
Silver: 6d6 = 18
Horse + a few incidental items in the saddle bags
A bloody big great axeAs for experience. Well, 1 for the session, 1 for surviving a deadly encounter, and another 1 for a major story beat = 3 total. Which is enough to reach level 4. Also to give a cheeky d4 fame as word will get around Vignor's deeds (2).
Going to drop a +1 in Agility to help them defence rolls.
Post Game Thoughts
When I sat down tonight to play, I didn’t expect this would be the conclusion, nor did I expect Vignor to survive the fight. He has a lot to thank in the dice, without some lucky rolls, the outcome would be massively different. What makes me laugh is that these are the dice I took to a recent Eat the Reich game (which I can go into more detail of if folk are interested), and in that game - the dice were shite. So, so many bad rolls. But that be the nature of throwing dice. Sometimes you win, sometimes you loose.
Overall, I’m very happy with how this session turned out. I think I would have enjoyed a session or two more to learn more about the camp, and its denizens. I wasn’t too sure where the campaign was going, but glad the dice gave me some structure to work with.
As for Kal-Arath, its a solid system. It strikes a fantastic balance between creating a narrative and throwing some dice around and letting chaos reign. A book that will be on my shelf for some time. And by on the shelf, I mean ready to use. Shelf space is precious - the other books get the luxury of a box in the attic. If you are on the shelf, you are one of The Elected.
This is also my first foray into sharing anything I’ve written in this manner - I’ve DM/GM’d for a long time, sharing my adventures with others, collaborating in the story. But this is the first time I’ve shared to an audience in a more traditional story telling manner. Some bits I’ve enjoyed, some bits I haven’t - I need to find the right groove. Nonetheless, I hope you have enjoyed sharing this journey with me. I will continue.
Is this the last we have seen of Vignor? Probably not, there are a good few loose ends in this campaign. Isolde and the Nomad’s consecration of the shrines, the bloody idol and the pact, the fallout from Kors’ death, maybe some revenge is due from Vignor’s butchering of the lad in the fighting pit.
I don’t know when, but Vignor will return.
End of Session Character Sheet:
Quest Log
Travel the grass sea, discover the identify of Altayan’s murderer, find them, then kill them.Compete in the Pit to earn a ‘Seal’, to gain an audience with ‘The Recruiter’
Deliver the letter to Isolde, Yellow Coin Inn, Clearwallow
I loved the ending and hope to see more of campaign 2 in the future!
Very cool!