Black Cinders - Ironsworn: Entry 15
Session 4: Hot Pursuit - Part 2
Hello folks! I had to skip posting last week’s entry in my Ironsworn campaign as I was really struggling with the write up. Instead, I published a short post about the calender and history of my version of the Ironlands. You can check it out via the link below. In the meantime, we join Kanno once more, as he seeks resolve the Scorching of Cliffell. As always, check out the Journal Index to read this campaign from its beginning.
Ironlander History and Calender
Before:
Previously, Kanno and Kalidas returned to Cliffell having determined the source of the Scorching — Wrathful spirits seeking the one they blame for their fate. A man named Oddvarr hid within the Circle. After learning that Reader Audhild had no interested in helping Oddvarr, Kanno, Kalidas, and Cera resolved to find them themselves. Unfortunately, Oddvarr fled them, disappearing into the tight alleyways of Cliffell.
Hot Pursuit
12th of the 5th Moon (Third Bloom) 394.IL
Scene Challenge:
Catch Oddvarr | Dangerous
“He’s here!” Kanno cried as Oddvarr scurried away. Kanno gave chase and called out, “Wait, just wait!” There was no response aside from the clatter and crack of breaking timber. Behind him he heard the murmurs of Kalidas and Cera.
Move: Face Danger, (Iron)
Weak Hit: 5 vs 2, 7 | Mark Progress, Advance Countdown
Catch Oddvarr before he flees Cliffell - 2/10 | Countdown - 1/4
The gap between the two homesteads was just wide enough for a man to comfortably walk down. Various bits of broken timber and discarded logs lay on the blackened earth. They groaned under the weight of Kanno’s steps and proved to be a hindrance on his path. At the end of alleyway Oddvarr darted left, in the direction the Circle’s plaza and its temple.
Kanno surged forwards. Every second Oddvarr remained out of a sight was a second he could use to hide himself. Kanno slipped slightly on the debris as one plank cracked in two under the weight of his passage. He stumbled, but righted himself quickly back onto both feet as he reached the shuttered window Oddvarr first used to escape the building.
A pair of hands lunged out as Kanno passed by and gripped him tightly by his cloak. They were coarse and calloused. Their owner heaved, pulling Kanno through the window as far as he could. A hoarse voice barked, “I got ‘em Oddvarr! Run boy, run!”
Kanno writhed in the other man’s grip, twisting round to see the face of Eliddon. “We’re trying to help him you old fool!” he snapped. He tugged on his cloak and it slipped free from the older man’s hands.
Eliddon stumbled back from the momentum, but lunged forward again with outstretched hands. “You leave young Oddvarr in peace! That boy done no wrong!” His fingertips grazed the fabric of Kanno’s cloak once more.
The window shutter slammed shut before his fingers could find purchase. Kanno heard pained moans and cursing from within the house. Cera stood over him and pulled the shutter open once more. She peered within and said, gently, “Eliddon, please. Your friend is in more danger than he comprehends. These men only wish to help him.”
Kanno couldn’t clearly hear the reply from inside but it sounded pained. He steadied himself and continued down the alley after Oddvarr. He peered round the corner, but his quarry had already vanished into the thin passages between the houses. Despite his broader size, Kanno was able to squeeze his way through. Cera followed closely behind, suffering no such hindrance. Each dingy alley was softly illuminated by the familiar crawling embers of the Scorching.
Move: Secure Advantage, (Wits)
Weak Hit: 7 vs 1, 7 | +1 Momentum
Kanno and Cera burst back onto the bustling Circle plaza at the heart of Cliffell. Even in the few short moments since they left the temple, the square had filled up quite considerably. The people of Cliffell had flocked to the market to check out the wares on sale. A few travelling merchants and peddlers had finished setting up their stalls or unloading their wagons. Pack animals stood patiently while their masters attended to their goods and carts. Even now, more people were filtering into the square.
Oddvarr was nowhere to be seen in this throng.
For his own safety, Oddvarr could not be allowed to leave Cliffell on his own. Kanno jumped up on a stack of crates owned by a rather rotund traveling merchant. The man roared in anger, but Kanno only needed a second or two to glance over the crowd. His eyes raced over the square until he spotted a familiar silhouette darting through the gathered people. Oddvarr looked to be heading out towards the western gate. Nothing else was unable to be discerned before Kanno was unceremoniously shoved off the crates, landing on the hard earth with a thud.
Kanno ignored the trader’s tirade and stuttered to Cera, “Western gate. He’s heading to the western gate.”
Cera nodded, offering a hand to pick him up. “We can cut through some of the side alleys. Head him off before he reaches the gate if we’re quick.” She heaved and brought Kanno to his feet.
Move: Face Danger, (Iron)
Weak Hit: 8 vs 3, 9 | Mark Progress, Advance Countdown
Catch Oddvarr before he flees Cliffell - 4/10 | Countdown - 2/4
Cera pointed across the square, through the traders and people assembled at the markets, to a narrow gap between two stocky buildings. Kanno nodded, grabbed Cera by the hand, and began to push his way through the crowd. He met immediate resistance as the pair were jostled around while squeezing through the crowd. Kanno used one arm to shove a handful of customers aside, which was met with insults and disapproving looks.
The crowd grew tighter at the heart of the square and as a result, Kanno’s efforts to pass through became increasingly forceful. With determination, he surged forwards and parted the crowd. Cera followed his wake as he carved his way through the sea of bodies. With one final push, he burst free of the throng and crashed into the back of a large, well-built Ironlander. Kanno heard the smash of something ceramic or stone breaking on the ground, but he had more important matters to attend to. Sheepishly, he muttered his apologies, before running off down the gap Cera had pointed out. Cera followed his footfalls, leaving the a crowd of angry shouts behind him.
Move: Face Danger, (Edge, +1 Kindred)
Strong Hit: 9 vs 7, 6 | Mark Progress
Catch Oddvarr before he flees Cliffell - 6/10
The crowd had cost them more time than Kanno had hoped. Cera’s shortcut through the tight alleyways made up the difference, but by the time they burst back onto the main thoroughfare, they were too late to cut off Oddvarr’s flight. His fleeing silhouette was dashing down the dirt road towards the western gate at a full sprint.
As fortune would have it, their path’s crossed with Kalidas as he gave chase after their quarry. The two men nodded and continued their pursuit. Within moments, Oddvaar darted passed a couple of wagons and crossed the threshold of the Circle. He was in the wilds, fleeing down the cliff-side path. His three pursuers doubled their efforts and surged passed the gate moments later. A sleepy Warden on duty at the gate called out after them, but no reply was given.
Oddvarr skidded round the first turn of the switchback up to Cliffell and booked it down the straight. Dust and dirt were kicked up into the hair like a thin, cloudy haze. As Kalidas and Cera continued round, Kanno took a gamble and slid down the steep cliff-side. Rolling with the impact ensured he lost no momentum as he continued after Oddvarr. The man from Scaldvann was quick on his feet but Kanno’s shortcut closed the distance.
Move: Face Danger, (Heart)
Weak Hit: 7 vs 8, 2 | Mark Progress, Advance Countdown
Catch Oddvarr before he flees Cliffell - 8/10 | Countdown - 3/4
Move: Resolve the Scene
Weak Hit: 8 vs 9, 2 | A new danger is revealed
Oddvarr swung round the next turn, casting more dirt into the air. Kanno cut across the slope again, landing him almost on top of the other man.
“Get your rusted hands away from me!” Oddvarr cried out. There was panic in his voice as he was caught off-guard by Kanno’s manoeuvre. He stumbled forward but caught himself before he tumbled into the crawling dirt.
“You’re scared, I understand! We’re not here to bring harm to you!” Kanno called out, “But if you continue to flee, you’re as good as dead! We know what seeks you, you can’t outrun this. You can’t fight this on your own! Stop and let us lend aid!” he pleaded.
[Oddvarr of Scaldvann]
Role: Tracker | Spiritual, Mean, Disloyal | Goal: Escape from something
Oddvarr was back on his feet, about to kick off against the dirt, when Kanno’s words rang out. He froze, skidding in the earth as his momentum carried him. Slowly, he peered over his shoulder at Kanno with wide eyes. In the light of day, his exhaustion was readily apparent. His arms were wrapped tight in cloth and barely any skin was visible beyond his head. He stared frantically for several moments, before shutting his eyes tightly and shaking his head. “Help?!” he cried, “No, no, no. None can help me.”
“How could you possibly know that for certain Oddvarr?” Kanno asked. He made no move towards the man before him, but raised his arms up. Behind him, Kanno heard the sounds of Kalidas and Cera running down the switchbacks. Further up, the faint sound of commotion and heavy footfalls echoed down from Cliffell’s palisade gate.
“What would you know stranger?” Oddvarr spat, though his eyes had begun to well up, if only slightly.
Move: Compel, (Heart)
Strong Hit: 7 vs 1, 6 | +1 Momentum, +1 to immediate Gather Information Move
Move: Gather Information (+1 Spirit-Bound, +1 Bonus)
Strong Hit: 9 vs 5, 2 | +4 Momentum
“I know if you continue to flee, alone, out here in the wilds, then you’re as good as dead. We’ve been to Scaldvann. We know what happened, or at least some of it. Please, Cliffell is not safe for you, nor you for it!” Kanno said. He lowered one of his hands and reached out for Oddvarr to take it. “I’m Kanno. We mean you no harm.”
Oddvarr stared at the outstretched hand for a long while. Kalidas and Cera caught up with the pair of them, though Cera stood panting and out of breath. Kalidas remained silent, letting Kanno take the lead. More sounds of men rushing down the switchback could be heard behind them. Oddvarr took no notice of them. His resolve was faltering and exhaustion was catching up to him. He ignored the outstretched hand, but faintly uttered, “I, I don’t know what to do...”
“Friend, we can figure it out together. Just let us help. Tell us what transpired in Scaldvann, from your perspective.”
Oddvarr sniffed a little and glanced down at the hillside. “There was a ritual,” he began, “The Elders spoke of the mystical power of the waters. Not something innate to the waters, but drawn from a higher power. A creature of fire bound within the earth long ago. Before even the Iron Landing.”
A cold whisper drifted over Kanno’s ear. A single word. “Agademaden”
“Agademaden,” Kanno repeated.
Oddvarr’s eyes widened. “Gods, you do know?” he said fearfully.
“But I don’t know much. Please friend, continue.”
The thin Ironlander struggled to start. “Yes, right. Agademaden. The Elder’s called it a Primordial. A chained vestige of a forgotten time. A power unlike any other. The Draoi of Old ensnared it and clipped its wings. A brain-dead spirit devoid of any sense of self. Pure power, contained in a physical form.” Oddvarr winced and began to scratch at the wrapping around his neck and wrist. “But the power could not be contained forever. The bindings weaken and fail. Every year the Elders performed the ritual to empower the chains. To fail would be to unleash devastation upon Scaldvann.”
Kanno took a small step forward and said, “And the ritual did fail. We saw the ruins. Scaldvann was burnt of the face of Ironlands.”
“Aye. Failed it did. The ritual required blood. Sacrifice. Each year, a lottery was hosted and one villager was selected. They would be marked tattoos, laced with the Old Powers, and then tossed into the boiling waters as tribute. One life for one more year of the Circle’s power.” Oddvarr was scratching heavily at his wrist as he continued, “I never cared all that much. Some poor soul cast away and in return we were able to live in peace for another year. Those waters offered so much for our home. Protection. Healing. Coin. These things were worth the cost of one life in my mind. You know how hard it can be out there?”
Kanno nodded. Cera gasped a little behind him. Louder now was the sound of running boots. From down here, Kanno couldn’t tell who it was hurtling down the switchbacks.
“I didn’t care until my name was drawn. My life was on the line. Fuck the Elders. Fuck Scaldvann. I’m not going to give my life away like that. I just... I didn’t want to fucking die! Is that such a crime?!?” Oddvarr cried out. He was scratching furiously now, pawing at the wrappings around his wrist. “Fuck Scaldvann. They grabbed me. People I thought cared about me. They took me and marked my body. Prepared me like mutton ready for a feast. I would have been cast into the waters and boiled just to spare them hardship!”
“So then, you made your escape?” Kalidas asked.
“Course I fucking ran you daft fool! A few surreptitious paths lead out of the sheltered cliffs. Used them all the time while hunting. That whole area is littered with caves if you look carefully. Only I knew of them I believe. Once I freed myself from their cage, it was simple to slip away,” Oddvarr said, his lips curling faintly. “I saw the great fire from a valley or two over. Agademaden. A raging inferno cast its brightness against the pitch of night.”
“Could they not just choose another sacrifice? Why did the ritual fail?” Kanno asked. He felt a cold pressure behind his eyes again, drawing his gaze across Oddvarr’s body. The sound of boots grew louder still as they made their advance down the hillside. Faint voices joined the chorus. Grumbles of anger.
“Don’t care. They got what was coming to them.”
Cera stepped forward, “I know very little of the Old Powers, but that mysticism is steeped in ritual and symbology. You said they marked you? Ritualistically? If that is the case, perhaps they had no time to prepare another.” She clutched a small amulet around her neck tightly.
As tightly as Cera grasped her talisman, coldness gripped Kanno’s heart even tighter. A piercing chill befouled his eyes as a pattern started to resolve itself across Oddvarr’s form. Kanno winced slightly, but did his best to hide it. Tracing his thin torso and limbs was an intricate pattern of linework and symbols in a cold, spectral light. Markings of ritual and the Old Powers. Elements of nature, chaos and life were woven throughout its structure. Symbols of fire and Scaldvann itself were prominently incorporated into its design. Furthermore, embers of fire drifted off the markings as little motes of spectral light. A thin, blue cord extended out of Oddvarr’s back and to the west. Embers drifted and coiled around the thread before it faded beyond Kanno’s sight. A tether perhaps.
Though the visage faded, the coldness still clawed at Kanno’s eyes. He winced and squinted his eyes, before he said, “Right, we should get those markings looked over. A clue to unravel this could be found with in.” Kanno took a step forward towards Oddvarr. “Let us see under the wrappings Oddvarr.”
Oddvarr recoiled, pulling himself back. “No. No back off,” he yelled.
Oracle:
Does Oddvarr yield this information himself? 50/50 - No
Move: Compel, (Iron)
Miss: 3 vs 8, 5 | Pay the Price - A surprising development complicates your quest
The pain in Kanno’s eyes had reached back into his skull. The chill laid its roots within his mind, causing him to wince once more. He took a firm step forward and said, “We’re here to help. You need not hide anything. Just show us. Now!” His voice was as sharp as the ice cold pain stabbing into his mind.
Oddvarr flinched at his tone.
Kanno exhaled. His frustration laced his breath. “Look...” he began, before a hulking figure barrelled into him.
Post-Session:
This entry was difficult to write up and I kept stalling so many times. I’m not sure why but this session was just really uninspired looking back at it. Perhaps because it was my first time using Scene Challenges. The cliffhanger at the end was the result of the number of weak hits and the final Pay the Price. It was tricky to determine that the new danger could be so close to town and I remember spending ages thinking about it. In any case, I chose to delay the reveal of the new danger until it felt more narratively appropriate.
Scene Challenges are pretty good, even if I found this particular one frustrating. I’ve used them to great effect later on in the campaign, for a varity of difference scenarios.
Next week, we’ll uncover what new danger looms over Kanno and his friends, as well as resolving the confrontation with Oddvarr. If you’ve enjoyed these entries, consider subscribing, I’ll appreciate it so much!