In the Trollshaws. Ep15
Some starting points for the session.
I’ll be continuing with BRP in this session as a ruleset.
I will maintain GM’s Apprentice as the core Oracle resolution mechanic.
BOLD will be used for intra-party dialogues with the connections mechanic. Currently there is a one man-show party, hopefully this will change.
UNE will support GMA with NPC information.
Donjon and AI art will be used for NPC descriptions.
ChatGPT will be used to tie the narrative together.
Using Fantasy Statblocks, and designing a BRP layout, here’s Dwalin’s statblock.
For BRP combat, I’ll use the Total Hit Points rule, Location Hit Points (as a Threshold – damage must be done in a single blow) and Hit Locations, and I will drop the Major Wounds rule.
As for armor hit locations I will consider that armor refers mainly to chest and abdomen, unless something else makes sense, (i.e. the MERP character has greaves or bracers).
As I run the combat I realized that Total Hit Points and Thresholds would not be feasible. The damage values done by common weapons would be unable to cause deadly blows against the threshold. I switched mid-combat to normal Location Hit Points to get things resolved normally. I'll reevaluate my options in next session.
Threads
Impending release of evil trapped under the temple – obsidian artifact is missing
Dwalin searching for the dwarven relic
BOLD
| action | gerund | subject |
|---|---|---|
| negotiate | understanding | enemies |
| muse | divulging | home or hearth |
| assure | confronting | an attribute |
Date: 27th of Hithui Third Age 1640
Stabbed and wounded, Dwalin, stumbles back into the Last Bridge Inn.
Q: Is everything as expected?
A: No
TWENE: Remove Major Element
So, for the next scene I was thinking that Dwalin would ask to be nursed back to health, and also spend this time to recruit any potential companions to his cause. Therefore either Bura Grumm, the nurse is not there, or for some reason, the inn is empty of adventurers at the moment.
Q: Is Bura Grumm missing?
A: No.
There are no adventurers in the inn at the moment. Perhaps they were drawn away by news of a potential treasure or quest reward. For whatever reason the inn clientele is sparce.
Dwalin will ask for the healing skills of Bura Grumm, and a room to rest.
Bura Grumm, the innkeeper’s wife and nurse, is present at the inn. She attends to Dwalin’s wounds and provides him with a room to rest in. The inn, though sparsely populated at the moment, offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere for Dwalin to recover from his injuries.
Dwalin had received two wounds, so there will be two healing attempts, one for each wound.
Bura: First Aid on abdomen stab wound: 87: Failure
Bura: First Aid on left arm slash wound: 56: Success: Heal 3 Hit Points. Completely healed.
Bura will also cast a (Folk Magic) Heal spell, since her nursing skills did not work completely.
Bura: Folk Magic: Heal: 05: Success: The abdomen stab wound was healed completely.
All this will cost Dwalin 3 silver pieces.
Dwalin now has 7 gold pieces, 5 silver pieces, 66 bronze pieces, 11 copper pieces and 40 tin pieces.
Bura Grumm does her best to tend to Dwalin’s wounds. While her initial attempt to treat the abdomen stab wound is not successful, her second attempt, coupled with the use of a healing spell, successfully heals both wounds. Dwalin’s injuries are now fully mended, and he feels much better.
Dwalin pays Bura the 3 silver pieces for her services.
Although I really wanted some assistance from other adventurers, I’ll have to bite the bullet and decide not to try to circumvent the TWENE result by e.g. staying longer in the inn.
I will ask though what is the reason the inn is less busy than usual.
Rubb Grumm, the innkeeper, brings over a hearty meal for Dwalin. He scratches his head, pondering Dwalin’s question. “Well, you see, sir,” Rubb begins, “some travelers came through here with tales of a hidden treasure in the Trollshaws. They said it was guarded by ancient traps and creatures, but the reward was too tempting. Many of the adventurers who frequented this place headed off in search of that treasure, hoping to strike it rich. It’s been quieter here since then, with only a few regulars like yourself.”
He sets the plate of food in front of Dwalin, a generous serving of stew and a loaf of fresh bread. “Enjoy your meal, sir. If you’re planning any adventures yourself, you might find it a bit lonelier out there with most of the adventurers gone. But maybe you’ll come back with a tale of your own to tell.”
Rubb goes about his duties in the inn, leaving Dwalin to his meal and thoughts as the night settles in.
Dwalin going at his own, might mean that I might won’t be able to use BOLD connections during this session. In that case, I’ll carry them over to the next one, provided Dwalin manages to survive the trip to Rivendell.
From the map, going on the east-west road towards the misty mountains, it should be around 130 miles to Rivendell. This is going to be around ~40 hours of walking for a human, so it’s going to be a solid 5 days and some more to get there.
After food and lodging, Dwalin will buy Trail Rations leaving him with 7 gold pieces, 5 silver pieces, 65 bronze pieces, 7 copper pieces and 40 tin pieces.
Date: 28th of Hithui Third Age 1640
2nd Watch
Weather (19) stays the same. It is cold, and overcast with sleet flurries. The wind is stormy from SW.
Encounter: 14: No encounter
I’d calculate that on this weather, there’s a 50% reduction of Movement Rate. So in this half watch (2 hours) Dwalin has covered a mere 3 miles.
3rd Watch
Weather (19) stays the same. It is cold, and overcast with sleet flurries. The wind is windy from SW.
Encounter: 5: No encounter
I’d calculate that on this weather, there’s a 30% reduction of Movement Rate. So in this watch (4 hours) Dwalin has covered about 9 miles more.
4th Watch
Weather (19) stays the same. It is cold, and overcast with sleet flurries. The wind is stormy from SW.
Encounter: 17: 17: Reroll as Wilderness/~Rural~: 96: Sickness/Food Poisoning/etc. It has happened 21 minutes on the way.
I’d calculate that on this weather, there’s a 50% reduction of Movement Rate. So in this period Dwalin has not covered one mile, before his stomach wants to remove it’s contents.
As Dwalin continues his journey towards Rivendell, the cold and sleet-filled weather continues to slow his progress. The first part of the day is uneventful, but as the afternoon approaches, he begins to feel the effects of the harsh conditions and his constant travel.
During the fourth watch, Dwalin suddenly feels a sharp pain in his stomach. He doubles over in discomfort, realizing that he has been struck by a bout of food poisoning. The trail rations he purchased at the Last Bridge Inn have betrayed him, causing him great discomfort and weakness.
With a heavy heart and a troubled stomach, Dwalin decides to rest for a while, hoping that his illness will pass. He finds a sheltered spot by the side of the road, away from the biting wind, and tries to recover. It’s a setback in his journey, and he knows that time is of the essence, but there’s little he can do in this condition.
Dwalin’s journey to Rivendell has become even more challenging, and he must now contend with the weather and the effects of food poisoning. It’s a test of his endurance and determination as he presses on towards his destination, hoping that he’ll find aid and answers among the elves of Rivendell.
Going through BRP, I’m very happy to see a detailed section about Disease, including minor diseases. I’m at the ledge to decide whether to make the stamina roll that determines if the disease is contracted or not. I will ask the Oracle.
Q: Is there a chance that Dwalin will fight off the food poisoning before it takes hold?
A: Yes
Dwalin: Stamina Roll: 48/65: Success
Dwalin pukes his guts out, and avoids the poisoning. His stomach settles. He’ll be able to continue on his journey tomorrow.
Dwalin’s resilient constitution prevails as he manages to fight off the food poisoning. He spends a miserable evening emptying his stomach but eventually begins to feel better. His stomach settles, and the worst of the illness passes. It seems his dwarven endurance has saved him from the worst effects of the tainted trail rations.
5th Watch
(4pm to 8 pm)
Weather (19) stays the same. It is cold to freezing, and overcast with sleet flurries. The wind is a gale from SW.
Encounter: 16: No encounter.
Dwalin will set up camp. I can’t find any Survival Skill in BRP, as opposed to Mythras. I’d wager this would fall under Knowledge, not Dwalin’s cup of tea.
Dwalin: Knowledge: 34: Failure.
Q: Is the camping spot he chose decent?
A: Yes
6th Watch
(8pm to 12 am)
Weather (20) becomes freezing, and cloudy, but the sleet flurries have stopped. The wind is now a breeze from NW.
Encounter: 14: No encounter. Dwalin sleeps overnight.
Date: 29th of Hithui Third Age 1640
1st Watch
(12am to 4 am)
Weather (1) becomes cold, and clear sky. The wind is now windy from N.
Encounter: 20: 92: Brigands/Highwayman: 34: Seeking/offering directions.
So, let’s see who detects whom first.
The moon Ithil is on the last Quarter Rising, so there’s a decent amount of light.
Q: Is the camping spot Dwalin chose, hidden from the road? (Unlikely)
A: No
This is an opposed Listen vs Spot check. Dwalin’s Listen check is difficult since he’s sleeping. Highwayman’s Spot check is difficult since it’s night.
Dwalin: Listen (Difficult): 34/13: Failure
Highwayman: Spot (Difficult): 48/25: Failure
Noone spots the other one, and the night goes on.
2nd Watch
(4am to 8 am)
Weather (1) remains the same, but becomes cool as day breaks, and the sky is clear. The wind remains windy from N.
Encounter: 13: No encounter.
As Dwalin wakes up, he notices a pair of footprints not far from where he camped. He considers himself lucky that he didn’t meet the person who did them, and makes a mental note to be more careful of his camping spots in the future.
He continues on his way, revitalized, and makes a decent 6 miles walk.
Dwalin’s journey continues as he presses on through the challenging weather conditions. His determination keeps him moving forward despite the setbacks he’s encountered. The bitter cold, overcast skies, and sleet flurries test his endurance, but his dwarven resilience prevails.
As he sets up camp for the night, he finds a suitable spot, hidden from the road, ensuring some degree of safety. The freezing temperatures make for an uncomfortable evening, but Dwalin manages to rest.
The next day, as the weather clears, Dwalin resumes his journey. The clear sky and cool conditions provide a welcome change from the sleet-filled weather of the previous days. However, his luck takes a turn as he stumbles upon evidence of another traveler, their footprints nearby. Though he avoids a confrontation this time, he realizes the importance of being more cautious in choosing camping spots in the future.
3rd Watch
(8am to 12 pm)
Weather (1) remains the same, cool with clear sky. The wind remains windy from N.
Encounter: 3: No encounter.
He continues on his way, revitalized, and makes a decent 13 miles walk.
4th Watch
(12pm to 4 pm)
Weather (2) becomes warm with cloudy sky. The wind calms down.
Encounter: 17: 35: Reroll as Urban: Guildsman: 86: Thespian: 93: Freemaster: 86: Other: In Distress/Under Attack.
By whom?
I’ll roll on the Trollshaws Encounter table.
46: Small Animals. It’s a Rat Pack.
I’ll go to donjon to get some initial information about the NPC.
Nainan: Female Dwarf Entertainer, Good. Nainan has an angular face, with curly red hair and brown eyes. She wears well-made clothing and a sling of vials and potions. Nainan is complacent and jealous.
Dwalin comes upon the scene of Nainan screaming and kicking at the rat pack that viciously attacks her. Dwalin grabs his mace and charges into the fray to save the fellow dwarf lady under attack.
I’ll plug this into Character Composer
Dwalin’s journey continues, and as he walks under the clear sky, he covers a significant distance of 13 miles. His determination to reach Rivendell and uncover the mysteries surrounding the obsidian artifact keeps him moving forward.
As the day turns to afternoon, the weather warms up and the sky becomes cloudy. The wind calms down, providing a pleasant change in conditions. However, Dwalin’s journey takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon a distressed scene.
The scene is set amidst the fading light of the sun, casting a warm, hue over the surroundings. Dwalin stumbles upon a small clearing in the woods, where the ground is covered in a thick layer of fallen leaves. The trees loom tall, their branches intertwining above, creating a canopy that filters the rays of daylight.
In the center of this clearing, Dwalin’s eyes focus on a fellow dwarf, who is desperately defending herself against a swarm of aggressive rats. She stands defiantly, her angular face contorted with a mix of fear and determination. Her curly red hair flows wildly around her as she swings her arms, trying to fend off the vicious rodents.The rats, small but numerous, scurry around her in a chaotic dance of hunger and aggression. Their beady eyes gleam with an eerie red light as they dart forward to snap at her legs and arms. Nainan’s well-made clothing is in disarray, with tiny claw marks and tears marring the fabric.
Nainan’s feet shuffle backward in an attempt to maintain distance from the relentless rat pack. Her brown eyes widen with each frantic kick and swat, and her breath comes in ragged gasps as she fights to keep the vermin at bay.
Dwalin’s arrival is marked by the determined grip on his mace. With a resolute expression on his face, he charges into the fray, determined to save Nainan from this dire situation. The forest around them seems to hold its breath, the rustling leaves and distant sounds of wildlife lending an eerie backdrop to the intense struggle between dwarf and rat.
As Dwalin swings his mace and engages the rats, the battle unfolds in a flurry of action and chaos. The clash between dwarf and rodents becomes a dance of survival amidst the tranquil yet haunting beauty of the twilight forest.
Q: How many are the rat packs?
A: 6
Initiative
Dwalin: 9+15=24
Nainan: 1+15=16
Rat Packs: 4+11=15
Round 1
Dwalin: Melee (Mace)-Difficult: 33/45: Success. One rat is killed, and a rat pack flees. Five Rat Packs remain (50 rats)
Nainan: Unarmed (Kick)-Difficult: 45: Failure
Rat Packs vs Nainan: 96/25, 37/25, 35/25, 99/25, 66/25. None of the rats manage a bite on Nainan.
Round 2
Dwalin: Melee (Mace)-Difficult: 07/45: Special Success. One rat is killed, and a rat pack flees. Four Rat Packs remain (40 rats)
Nainan: Unarmed (Kick)-Difficult: 13: Success. A rat is killed, and a rat pack flees. Three Rat Packs remain (30 rats)
Rat Packs vs Nainan: 94/15, 96/15, 85/15
None of the rats manage a bite on Nainan.
Round 3
Dwalin: Melee (Mace)-Difficult: 88/45: Miss
Nainan: Unarmed (Kick)-Difficult: 23: Success. A rat is killed, and a rat pack flees. Two Rat Packs remain (20 rats)
Rat Packs vs Nainan: 01/10, 74/10
A rat manages a Critical attack on Nainan. It’s a diseased bite that does 2 HP of damage and gives a chance for disease.
Nainan: Stamina Roll: 04/75: Critical Success. Nainan doesn’t catch a disease.
Round 4
Dwalin: Melee (Mace)-Difficult: 23/45: Success. One rat is killed, and a rat pack flees. one Rat Pack remains (10 rats)
Nainan: Unarmed (Kick)-Difficult: 94: Miss
Rat Pack vs Nainan: 81/05
Round 5
Dwalin: Melee (Mace)-Difficult: 42/45: Success. One rat is killed, and the last rat pack flees.
The battle in the twilight-dappled forest is a frenzied and desperate struggle between Dwalin, Nainan, and the relentless rat packs. As the combatants engage, the scene unfolds with a series of swift and decisive actions.
Dwalin, his mace gripped firmly in his hands, wastes no time in taking the initiative. With a powerful swing, he crushes one of the rats under the force of his weapon, sending it sprawling lifelessly to the forest floor. The impact of his strike sends shockwaves through the rat pack, causing one group of rats to scatter and flee in disarray.
Nainan, her kicks fueled by fear and adrenaline, attempts to fend off the rats that encircle her. She delivers a fierce kick, but the nimble creatures evade her blows, proving to be elusive adversaries.
Undeterred by the overwhelming odds, Dwalin continues his assault. His mace strikes true once again, claiming the life of another rat and causing a second group to disperse in terror. The forest echoes with the squeaks and hisses of the fleeing rodents. Still, a formidable force of around forty rats remains, swarming around the determined dwarf duo.
Nainan, though untrained in combat, summons her courage and lands a powerful kick that crushes one of the rats beneath her boot. The rat’s lifeless body joins the growing pile of defeated vermin, and a third rat pack scatters, leaving fewer rats to continue the onslaught.
As the battle rages on, Dwalin’s mace strikes with unwavering precision, claiming the lives of more rats and further thinning the ranks of their attackers.
Nainan, feeling the threat of the disease-carrying vermin, fights valiantly and lands another blow. The rat she strikes meets its end, and the final rat pack flees, vanishing into the depths of the forest.
With the last of the rats in retreat, the battle comes to an end. Dwalin and Nainan stand victorious amidst the fallen rodents, their breaths ragged from the intense struggle. The forest, once echoing with the sounds of combat, gradually falls back into a serene and tranquil stillness, as the two dwarves catch their breath and assess the aftermath of the harrowing encounter.
I decided to try my luck with the Chat option of character composer for fun. After a short learning curve, I got a dialogue that worked.
I wrote Dwalin’s text. Nainan’s text was generated by the Character Composer.
Nainan: Thank you, friend, for saving me from those pesky rats! You have my eternal gratitude.
Dwalin: Dwalin, at your service my lady! may I ask your name?
Nainan: Ah, well met, Dwalin! I am Nainan, a humble entertainer, grateful for your swift mace and quick thinking.
Dwalin: The Trollshaws forest can be dangerous, even on the road. Are you wounded?
Nainan: No need to fret, Dwalin. I emerged unscathed from the encounter with the rats. Thanks to you, my path continues unhindered.
Dwalin: Where are you headed? (OOC: we are in the Trollshaws region of Tolkien’s Middle Earth)
Nainan: Ah, in this treacherous land of the Trollshaws, I am journeying towards Rivendell, seeking respite and a chance to showcase my talents to the noble folk who reside there.
Dwalin: What a chance! I am also travelling towards Rivendell. I need the help of the elves with a quest I am on.
Nainan: How fortuitous, Dwalin! It appears fate has brought us together on this shared journey to Rivendell. I would be honored to accompany you and offer any assistance I can in your quest. Together, we shall face whatever challenges lie ahead!
I then asked ChatGPT to turn it into third person dialogue to harmonize it with the way I write the story.
Nainan expressed her gratitude, her voice warm and relieved. “Thank you, friend, for saving me from those pesky rats! You have my eternal gratitude.”
Dwalin responded with a respectful nod. “Dwalin, at your service, my lady! May I ask your name?”
Nainan offered a friendly smile. “Ah, well met, Dwalin! I am Nainan, a humble entertainer, grateful for your swift mace and quick thinking.”
Dwalin, concerned for her well-being, inquired, “The Trollshaws forest can be dangerous, even on the road. Are you wounded?”
Nainan reassured him with a chuckle. “No need to fret, Dwalin. I emerged unscathed from the encounter with the rats. Thanks to you, my path continues unhindered.”
Curiosity piqued, Dwalin asked, “Where are you headed?”
Nainan’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “Ah, in this treacherous land of the Trollshaws, I am journeying towards Rivendell, seeking respite and a chance to showcase my talents to the noble folk who reside there.”
Dwalin’s face lit up with a sense of opportunity. “What a chance! I am also traveling towards Rivendell. I need the help of the elves with a quest I am on.”
Nainan’s expression mirrored his excitement. “How fortuitous, Dwalin! It appears fate has brought us together on this shared journey to Rivendell. I would be honored to accompany you and offer any assistance I can in your quest. Together, we shall face whatever challenges lie ahead!”
They walk together and make another 13 miles.
5th Watch
(4pm to 8 pm)
Weather (1) becomes cool and cold with a clear sky. The wind is a North breeze.
Encounter: 8: No encounter
With Nainan on the group, I have the opportunity for Dwalin to use BOLD. Nainan isn’t a PC as of yet, but since she’s an NPC member of the adventuring party, she can be a recipient of Dwalin’s Connection attempts.
I’ll use “muse, confronting, enemies”
Dwalin and Nainan are setting camp, as Dwalin talks on his own, but loud enough so that Nainan could hear him, “I know that the Trollshaws are dangerous, but I never heard of rats attacking passersby in such a rabid manner, what could have set them off?”
Nainan nods, “Indeed, the rats’ aggression was quite peculiar, even for the Trollshaws. It is possible that my presence and the potions I carry caught their attention. Some creatures are lured by the scent of certain ingredients or find vials and potions intriguing. Or perhaps they were simply hungry and saw me as an easy target. Nonetheless, it is best to remain vigilant as we make our way through this perilous forest.”
“I propose we set up watch for the night. Do you want me to take first shift?” Dwalin says.
“Your caution is commendable, Dwalin. I appreciate your offer to take the first watch. Rest assured, I will be more than ready to take my turn and keep a keen eye on our surroundings while you rest. Together, we shall ensure our safety throughout the night.” Nainan responds.
| action | gerund | subject |
|---|---|---|
| negotiate | understanding | |
| divulging | home or hearth | |
| assure | an attribute |
6th Watch
(8 pm to 12 am)
Weather (3) becomes cool with a clear sky. The wind is a calm, and there is a fog.
Encounter: 16: No encounter
Date: 30th of Hithui Third Age 1640
1st Watch
(12 am to 4 am)
Weather (3) remains the same, cool, with a clear sky. The wind becomes NE windy, and the fog disperses.
Encounter: 13: No encounter
2nd Watch
(4 am to 8 am)
Weather (3) becomes warm, with a clear sky. The wind becomes NE breeze.
Encounter: 7: No encounter
The party breaks camp and continues on their way, moving another 6 miles towards Rivendell.
3rd Watch
(8 am to 12 pm)
Weather (3) stays warm, with a clear sky. The wind becomes NE windy.
Encounter: 4: No encounter
The party moves another 13 miles.
4th Watch
(12 pm to 4 pm)
Weather (4) becomes hot, with a clear sky. The wind becomes SE breeze.
Encounter: 2: No encounter
The party moves another 13 miles.
5th Watch
(4 pm to 8 pm)
Weather (4) remains hot to warm, with a clear sky. The wind becomes SE windy.
Encounter: 10: No encounter
The party moves another 6 miles before setting camp.
As the party journeyed through the Trollshaws, the days passed by uneventfully. The weather shifted from cool to warm, with clear skies overhead. The wind, though occasionally breezy, provided no challenge. The path before them remained free of any significant encounters.
On the 30th of Hithui, they woke to another warm day with a clear sky. The party broke camp and continued their steady pace towards Rivendell, covering miles with determination. The land around them remained serene, untouched by the perils of their previous adventures.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, they set up camp once more, ready to rest and regain their strength for the journey ahead. The Trollshaws held no immediate threats, and with Nainan by his side, Dwalin felt a newfound sense of camaraderie and confidence. Together, they ventured closer to their destination, their shared quest binding them as allies in this treacherous land.
6th Watch
(8 pm to 12 am)
Weather (4) remains warm, with a clear sky. The wind becomes calm and a fog settles.
Encounter: 1: No encounter
Date: 1st of Girithron Third Age 1640
1st Watch
(12 am to 4 am)
Weather (6) becomes freezing, cloudy skies with rain showers. The wind becomes breezy from South.
Encounter: 4: No encounter
2nd Watch
(4 am to 8 am)
Weather (6) becomes cool, cloudy skies with rain showers. The wind remains breezy from South.
Encounter: 20: 21: Reroll as Wilderness: 54: Stag/Deer/Hind: 100: Grazing
Time: 30 minutes before sunrise.
As the party settled in for the night, a gentle fog rolled in, blanketing the land in a mysterious shroud. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful, devoid of any immediate dangers. They rested beneath the starry night sky, their campfire flickering in the cool breeze.
When the new day dawned on the 1st of Girithron, the weather took a turn for the worse. Clouds gathered overhead, and a light drizzle began to fall from the heavens. The wind carried with it the chill of impending rain. Yet, despite the less-than-ideal conditions, the party encountered a group of grazing stags, their majestic antlers silhouetted against the gloomy sky.
It was a brief moment of serenity amidst the unpredictable nature of the Trollshaws. As the stags continued their peaceful grazing, the party pressed on, knowing that their journey to Rivendell was drawing ever closer to its conclusion.
3rd Watch
(8 am to 12 pm)
Weather (6) remains cool, cloudy skies with rain showers. The wind remains breezy from South.
Encounter: 5: No encounter
The party continues another 11 miles towards Rivendell.
Dwalin and Nainan walked side by side along the forested path, the dense canopy of the Trollshaws overhead. As they journeyed, Dwalin couldn’t help but express his concerns to his newfound companion. “We have a few days of travel ahead of us, so I wanted to ask you, Nainan, why did you choose Rivendell? I have grown to reconsider, but we dwarves aren’t always the best company of elves.”
Nainan’s eyes twinkled with a hint of merriment as she responded, her voice carrying a warm, reassuring tone. “Ah, I understand your reservations, Dwalin. The relationship between dwarves and elves has been tumultuous at times. However, as an entertainer, my art knows no bounds, and I firmly believe that joy and laughter can bridge any divides. I chose Rivendell not only for its unparalleled beauty and enchantment but also for the opportunity to share my performances and bring a sense of mirth to the hearts of all, even the elves. I hope to prove that dwarves and elves can find common ground in laughter and entertainment.”
Dwalin nodded in understanding, then continued, his tone growing more somber. “My quest is more dire, I’m afraid. During our adventures to rid the Trollshaws of evil, with my elf companion Camthalion – may he rest in peace – we may have awoken another evil from its slumber. Camthalion was adamant that the elves will help us put it back in its prison for good, before it is released.”
Nainan’s expression shifted to one of genuine sympathy as she listened to Dwalin’s words. “I am truly sorry for the loss of your brave companion, Camthalion. It appears that your quest carries great importance and urgency. Rivendell, with its wise and knowledgeable inhabitants, is indeed the ideal place to seek guidance and assistance in dealing with this awakened evil. Let us make haste, for together we shall find the aid and support needed to complete your quest and fulfill your friend’s noble legacy.”
4th Watch
(12 pm to 4 pm)
Weather (6) remains cool, cloudy skies with rain showers. The wind becomes windy from South.
Encounter: 14: No encounter
The party continues another 11 miles towards Rivendell.
5th Watch
(4 pm to 8 am)
Weather (6) remains cool, cloudy skies with rain showers. The wind becomes calm.
Encounter: 13: No encounter
The party makes camp.
6th Watch
(8 am to 12 pm)
Weather (7) becomes cold, overcast skies with steady rain. The wind becomes SW gale.
Encounter: 3: No encounter
The party remains camped under these harsh conditions.
Date: 2nd of Girithron Third Age 1640
1st Watch
(12 am to 4 am)
Weather (7) remains cold, overcast skies with steady rain. The wind becomes SW breeze.
Encounter: 3: No encounter
The party remains camped under these harsh conditions.
2nd Watch
(4 am to 8 am)
Weather (7) becomes cool, cloudy skies with rain showers. The wind becomes a South breeze.
Encounter: 20: 50: Reroll as Rural: 87: Reroll as Wilderness: 59: Wild/stray Sheep/goats/etc: 56: Fleeing Predator
The rain-soaked morning found Dwalin and Nainan huddled under a makeshift shelter, trying to stay dry. As the relentless rain pelted the ground around them, they exchanged words to pass the time. “This weather is as unforgiving as it gets. It’s a good thing we have some shelter. We’re getting closer to Rivendell, though.”
Nainan, her cloak clinging to her, nodded in agreement. “Indeed, Dwalin. Rivendell’s warmth and shelter will be a welcome sight after enduring these elements. I must say, your resilience in the face of such weather is impressive.”
Dwalin gave a hearty chuckle. “Well, as dwarves, we’re used to harsh conditions. It’s all in a day’s journey for us.”
As the cold, rainy night dragged on, Dwalin and Nainan remained huddled together under their makeshift shelter. The pattering raindrops provided a soothing backdrop to their whispered conversations. The night seemed endless, and both travelers struggled to find rest.
Then, in the darkest hours before dawn, a sudden commotion disrupted the quietude. The sound of frantic bleating and the clattering of hooves pierced the stillness. Dwalin and Nainan snapped awake, their senses on high alert.
The source of the disturbance became evident as they strained their ears. Wild or stray sheep and goats, driven by fear, were stampeding in their direction. Their panicked cries filled the night, echoing off the nearby hillsides.
In the dim light of pre-dawn, the two companions could discern the shapes of the fleeing animals. The sheep and goats, their eyes wide with terror, dashed past their campsite in a frenzied attempt to escape an unseen menace.
Nainan clutched her cloak tightly around her, her eyes wide with alarm. Dwalin, his hand instinctively reaching for his mace, scanned the surroundings, trying to spot the looming threat that had set the herd into such a frenzy.
Dwalin: Spot: 74/55: Failure
Q: Are the dwarves ambushed by the predator (unlikely as it’s after the herd)
A: Yes
Q: Is the predator an animal?
A: No
Q: Is the predator orcs? (Likely)
A: Yes
As the night slowly gave way to the pale light of dawn, Dwalin strained his eyes in an attempt to spot any signs of the unseen predator that had sent the herd of sheep and goats fleeing in terror. However, the Trollshaws remained shrouded in shadow, revealing no immediate threats.
Just when they began to relax, believing the danger had passed, a sudden and unexpected ambush shattered their sense of security. It wasn’t the work of wild animals, as they had initially suspected. Instead, lurking amidst the trees and undergrowth were a group of malevolent figures.
Orcs, with their grotesque features and wicked grins, had taken advantage of the chaos caused by the stampeding herd. They had seized this opportunity to launch a surprise attack on the unsuspecting travelers. Their eyes gleamed with malice as they closed in on Dwalin and Nainan, weapons at the ready.
The dwarves had little time to react, caught off guard by the cunning ambush orchestrated by the orcish assailants.
A group is at least 3. I didn’t get any Exceptional results, so in terms of balance, I’ll make it be 3 orcs.
Initiative
23 Dwalin
19 Naidan
18 Orc 1
18 Orc 2
18 Orc 3
Round 1
Dwalin attacks Orc 1.
Dwalin: Melee (Mace): 70/90: Success
Orc 1: Dodge: 43/40: Failure
Attack strikes defender and rolls damage normally. Defender’s armor value subtracted from damage.
Hit Location: 18: Left Arm: Damage: 6+2=8: The limb is crushed. The orc goes into shock.
Naidan attacks Orc 2
Naidan: Melee (Hammer): 99/35: Fumble: Hit Nearest Ally for Critical Damage: Hits Dwalin:
Q: Can Dwalin attempt to dodge?
A: No
Hit Location: Right Leg: Damage: 6: The limb is useless. The character falls down. Dwalin falls.
Orc 2 attacks Naidan
Orc: Melee (Scimitar): 70/35: Failure
Orc 3 attacks Naidan
Orc: Melee (Scimitar): 72/35: Failure
Round 2
Dwalin attacks Orc 2 next to him.
Dwalin: Melee (Mace), Difficult: 48/45: Failure
Naidan attacks Orc 2
Naidan: Melee (Hammer): 78/35: Failure
Orc 2 attacks Naidan
Orc: Melee (Scimitar): 73/35: Failure
Orc 3 attacks Naidan
Orc: Melee (Scimitar): 74/35: Failure
Round 3
Dwalin attacks Orc 2 next to him.
Dwalin: Melee (Mace), Difficult: 16/45: Success
Orc 2: Dodge: 41/40: Failure
Attack strikes defender and rolls damage normally. Defender’s armor value subtracted from damage.
Hit Location: 5: Left Leg: Damage: 5+2=7: The limb is useless. The character falls down. Orc 2 Falls Down.
Naidan attacks Orc 3
Naidan: Melee (Hammer): 30/35: Success
Orc 3: Dodge: 36/40: Success
The attack is dodged.
Orc 2 attacks Dwalin
Orc: Melee (Scimitar): 87/35: Failure
Orc 3 attacks Naidan
Orc: Melee (Scimitar): 23/35: Success
Naidan: Dodge: 10/40: Success
The attack is dodged.
Round 4
Dwalin attacks Orc 2 next to him.
Dwalin: Melee (Mace): 87/90: Success
Orc 2: Dodge: 1/40: Critical Success
The attack is dodged
Naidan attacks Orc 3
Naidan: Melee (Hammer): 10/35: Success
Orc 3: Dodge: 37/40: Success
The attack is dodged.
Orc 2 attacks Dwalin
Orc: Melee (Scimitar): 25/35: Success
Dwalin: Parry (Shield): 74/75: Success
The attack is parried.
Orc 3 attacks Naidan
Orc: Melee (Scimitar): 52/35: Failure
Round 5
Dwalin attacks Orc 2 next to him.
Dwalin: Melee (Mace): 44/90: Success
Orc 2: Dodge: 80/40: Failure
Attack strikes defender and rolls damage normally. Defender’s armor value subtracted from damage.
Hit Location: 8: Left Leg: Damage: 4+2=6: The limb is crushed. The orc goes into shock.
Naidan attacks Orc 3
Naidan: Melee (Hammer): 16/35: Success
Orc 3: Dodge: 56/40: Failure
Attack strikes defender and rolls damage normally. Defender’s armor value subtracted from damage.
Hit Location: 6: Left Leg: Damage: 5=5: The limb is useless. The character falls down. Orc 3 Falls Down.
Orc 3 attempts to stand.
Orc 3: Dodge, Difficult: 53/20: Failure
Round 6
Dwalin crawls to attack Orc 3 next to him.
Dwalin: Melee (Mace): 16/90: Special Success
Orc 3: Dodge: 37/40: Success
Attack strikes defender and rolls damage normally. Defender’s armor value subtracted from damage.
Hit Location: 6: Left Leg: Damage: 1+2=3: The limb is crushed. The orc goes into shock.
Amidst the cold and unforgiving wilderness of the Trollshaws, the battle unfolded with a frenzied intensity. Dwalin, armed with his trusty mace, lunged at the nearest orc with precision, smashing into its left arm with a bone-crushing blow. The orc howled in pain as its limb crumpled, shock coursing through its twisted form.
Naidan, unfortunately, had less success. Her swing with the hammer went awry, striking Dwalin’s right leg instead, causing him to stumble and fall to the ground. The chaos of battle had disrupted their coordination.
The orcs, now aware of their adversaries, lunged with scimitars in hand, but their attacks faltered. The orc facing Naidan missed entirely, as did its counterpart that had set its sights on Dwalin.
In the following moments, Dwalin and Naidan struggled to regain their footing and composure. Dwalin attempted another strike at the orc beside him, but the orc deftly evaded his attack. Naidan’s hammer swing at the remaining orc was met with nimble evasion as well.
The orcish assailants continued their onslaught. One of them managed to land a blow on Dwalin, but his trusty shield absorbed the impact. The orc facing Naidan was less fortunate, as her dodge allowed her to avoid harm.
As the battle raged on, Dwalin and Naidan persevered. Dwalin struck a resounding blow on the orc beside him, crushing its left leg. The orc crumpled to the ground, paralyzed by pain.
Naidan, too, found her target, hitting the last standing orc in the leg. The orc, unable to withstand the force of the blow, fell to the ground in agony.
The battle had taken its toll on the orcs, leaving them incapacitated and on the brink of surrender. However, one of them attempted to rise but failed in its weakened state.
Dwalin, determined to end the confrontation, crawled toward the fallen orc. With a final, resounding strike, he incapacitated the orc once and for all. The battle had been fierce, but the dwarves emerged victorious, their endurance and determination prevailing against the odds.
Q: Does Nainan have a healing potion to give Dwalin? (Likely)
A: Yes! and it’s a potent one. Potion of Extra Healing.
Dwalin is healed completely.
Seems Nainan felt sorry for hurting him by mistake.
Nainan, filled with regret for her unintended strike on Dwalin, reached into her belongings and produced a small, ornate vial. It shimmered with a faint, soothing light as she handed it to Dwalin.
“I’m truly sorry, Dwalin,” she said with genuine concern in her eyes. “Please, let this potion mend your wounds.”
Dwalin accepted the vial and drank from it. Instantly, a surge of warmth and vitality coursed through his body. The injuries he had sustained in the battle with the orcs began to heal rapidly, leaving no trace of pain or discomfort. Nainan’s potion was a potent elixir of healing, and it worked wonders.
With a grateful nod, Dwalin looked at Nainan and said, “Thank you, Nainan. Your kindness knows no bounds. I am whole once more, thanks to your aid.”
3rd Watch
(8 am to 12 pm)
Weather (7) remains cold, overcast skies with steady rain. The wind becomes windy from SW.
Encounter: 16: No encounter
The party continues another 9 miles towards Rivendell.
4th Watch
(12 pm to 4 pm)
Weather (9) becomes cool, overcast skies with rain showers. The wind becomes a gale from SW.
Encounter: 20: 54: Cleric/etc: 16: Mendicant Lay-brother/sister: 27: Meditating/Praying/etc
donjon: Rewill Ville: Male Halfling Cleric, Good. Rewill is tall and overweight, with braided grey hair and brown eyes. He wears chain mail and wields a mace. Rewill seeks to make amends for a previous life of crime.
Now some fun with the Character Composer
At around 2.15 pm, they meet a short figure on the road, it’s a hobbit.
I used the chat option to talk with Rewill.
I will also use “negotiate, divulging, home or hearth”
Rewill Ville, the priest and healer, approached the brave dwarf and his companion, Nainan, with a friendly demeanor. “Greetings, brave dwarf. What brings you to these treacherous lands?” he inquired.
Dwalin, introducing himself and Nainan, replied, “I am Dwalin, this here is my friend Nainan. We are on our way to Rivendell. If you may introduce yourself, stranger?”
Rewill Ville revealed his own identity, saying, “I am Rewill Ville, a priest and healer. Formerly a thief, now seeking redemption through service.”
Curious about Rewill’s purpose, Dwalin inquired, “We are on a quest to fend off evil from the Trollshaws. What brings you here?”
Rewill Ville explained, “I have come to lend my healing abilities and bring light to the darkness that plagues these lands.”
Dwalin offered an invitation, “Perhaps you can join our quest then, stranger, unless you have a more pressing task at hand that is.”
Rewill Ville eagerly accepted, aligning his goals with theirs. “Your quest to fend off evil aligns with my goals of seeking redemption and bringing healing. I would be honored to join you on this noble endeavor.”
With their party now assembled, Dwalin discussed their next destination. “We shall go to Rivendell first. The elves there might share their knowledge with us. Were you coming or going?”
Rewill Ville shared his direction, saying, “I was making my way towards Rivendell as well. It seems Fate has brought us together on this path. I shall gladly accompany you to seek the wisdom of the elves.”
As the conversation continued, Dwalin inquired about the presence of others like Rewill among the halflings in the area.
Rewill Ville responded thoughtfully, “Although the halflings are a peaceful folk, there are undoubtedly others like me who strive to bring goodness and healing to the world. However, we halflings are often underestimated and overlooked due to our diminutive stature.”
| action | gerund | subject |
|---|---|---|
| understanding | ||
| assure | an attribute |
The party continues another 11 miles towards Rivendell. The elvish settlement lights flickering in the distance.
The party, now consisting of Dwalin, Nainan, and Rewill Ville, pressed on through the treacherous lands, making their way toward the distant lights of Rivendell. The elvish settlement beckoned to them, its ethereal lights flickering in the distance, promising both respite and potential aid in their quest to fend off the evil lurking in the Trollshaws.
With this milestone complete, I’ll stop the session here.
Session Summary
This session welcomed 100% the digital era. It was digital pen, paper and dice.
After listening to people saying the best about obsidian and watching an intro video on YouTube Setup obsidian for playing RPGs which got me started on the various plugins available, and then some. I went ahead and also added the Fantasy Statblock and Initiative Tracker plugins and spent a (not so small) amount of time to create BRP statblocks. It’s not 100% perfect, but works pretty well.
I have everything on one screen. PDFs, dice rollers, my session, external links, maps etc.
This, coupled with the use of generators, AI tools for narrative and immersion, made this one of the best solo experiences I’ve had so far.
Of course in all but a few cases (which I’ll expand on) the Oracle and/or Ruleset drove the story behind the generated narrative.
Things that stood out to me in this session regarding the tools used:
- Obsidian is a great local desktop tool. It doesn’t have the multi platform syncing capabilities of SimpleNote (for example I couldn’t set my iOS app to open my Vault on MEGAsync). So if I want to solo play on the fly, I’ll have to copy-paste the core session to and from Obsidian and SimpleNote. Apart from that, I was amazed at the core functionality and the plugins. It really elevated my gaming experience.
- Character Composer is a nifty app. It stayed within the framework applied and the AI portraits were decent. I haven’t used all the functionalities yet (Monsters, Locations, Objects etc), and I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to doing so. The Chat functionality was decent. I found that it helped modifying who you are based on how the discussion progresses (dwarf in the Trollshaws -> Dwalin), but the chat bot was very strongly driven by the personality generated. For example in a few generations Rewill’s first greeting words were him asking if we need some healing. I had to regenerate a few chats, and even then the result left something to be desired versus a normal person conversation (you see the final version which was acceptable). Nevertheless it was really fun chatting and felt a lot like stepping in Dwalin’s shoes while doing so, since the convo is in first person.
- Donjon is a great generator to feed information into the AI tools and get something that fits the fantasy world.
- Even though I had to regenerate a few responses, or optimize them, ChatGPT keeps speeding up my sessions. Not much more to detail here than in my previous session.
About Combat:
- I realized mid-combat that my hack wasn’t usable. Thankfully it was too early and the results were too similar to RAW with options, so I switched to it and continued like this. BRP combat is brutal. I decided also to rule some things about armour worn, but I may have to reconsider there, and give some padded or leather armour to the limbs at least, a la Harnmaster.
- Monitoring Hit Points per Location is something I wanted to avoid, so I’m still not 100% settled on this. I may use Harnmaster Combat instead, but I’ll need to see where the ruleset starts and where it ends. Main questions if I go with such a hack are how to work with Healing and/or Magic Damage. TBD. On the other hand, without the Total Hit Points option, the values are low enough so that combat ends quickly without too much monitoring.
- BRP combat was so much fun. Oh the fumbles dropping Dwalin, and Dwalin fighting prone against another orc fighting prone. I can just imagine the fun of it. And for some weird occurance a multitude of hits were all about the left legs. Funny.
About Rulesets/Books:
- Harn Weather combined with Harn Campaign provided a great detail for our travel. I coupled it with the travel distances which made the whole trip tiresome, but interesting. Lots of input for ChatGPT to use. Crunchy, but will keep at it.
- I also went to the MERP books for feedback regarding the Trollshaws and creatures there or whatever else I found applicable. A little bit of overbrowsing, but okay, it worked out in the end.
A few words about the Story:
- Character Composer chat bots were too eager to join my party. I actually went along with it instead of asking the Oracle and trying to persuade them if needed, since we really need the manpower. I essentially put my GM hat and ruled that it is acceptable from a meta perspective.
- The party has finally reached Rivendell, and I’m all too curious if next session will be mostly a diplomatic mission, you never know where the Oracle will take you though.
Overall I’m really enjoying this campaign, and eager to see my party survive so that they can continue. With d100 combat, that is never a certainty.
Solo, Pen, Paper and Dice 
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