In the Trollshaws. Ep17
Some starting points for the session.
I’ll be continuing with Harnmaster 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.
UNE will support GMA with NPC information.
Donjon , Character Composer and AI art will be used for NPC descriptions.
ChatGPT will be used to tie the narrative together.
So our party is composed of:
- Dwalin, a dwarf scout
- Rewill Ville, a hobbit cleric
- Ainiall, an elf mage
- Galadhil, a Dunadan ranger
The threads we follow are:
- Defeat the threat of Shadna, an imprisoned cold drake trying to escape
- Recover the dwarven dragon slaying hammer to use against Shadna
- Find the obsidian artifact that kept Shadna in check
They are actually one thread, with sub-threads.
To find the hammer, we should go to the Coldfells, which, as luck has it, is North of Rivendell. It wasn’t planned for, as I had no clue where the Coldfells are, but after careful research of all the sources I could find, seems they should be like 100-200 miles north of Imladris. I couldn’t find an exact location on a map, so I’m eyeballing it. On the other hand, that’s fun, because we’ll get to use some navigation skills in addition searching and tracking for the dragon slaying hammer. And there should be fights with trolls!
(on retrospect I don’t know why I am so happy to face so difficult foes)
I’m going directly to the morning of departure. Time is of the essence so the party won’t stay in Imladris to fool around.
Bold
| action | gerund | subject |
|---|---|---|
| assure | repairing | a possession |
| demand | lying | a like |
| endorse | obsessing | a love |
Date: 3rd of Girithron Third Age 1640
3rd Watch
(8 am to 12 pm)
Weather (9) becomes cool, overcast skies with rain showers. The wind becomes SW breeze.
Encounter: 14: No encounter
The party begins their northward search.
I need to ask a few things to see what Báin told Dwalin.
Let’s generate a name for the dragon-slaying hammer. Urngorr arboth, which means thunderfall in the dwarven speech.
Q: Is there something more specific than “in the Coldfells”?
A: No+Event
Event: Join Tool
I dwelled on this for too long. I can’t find an event that makes sense with this, so I’ll roll a new phrase.
Event: Avenge Monument.
Okay this is pretty straightforward. A monument, perhaps a statue of old has been defaced, evident tracks to the destruction of the monument are there, and the tracks lead away from the site.
4: It’s Galadhil’s ancestors, a Numenorian lord or lady statue that has been defaced. Galadhil wants revenge.
As the party continued northward from Rivendell, their path led them to a serene glade nestled among the ancient trees of the Trollshaws. Here, in the heart of nature’s embrace, they came upon a solemn and troubling sight. At the center of the glade stood a once-majestic statue, now defaced and broken.
The statue had been erected in honor of a noble Numenorean lord or lady from ages past, a figure of great importance and significance. Its chiseled features, now marred by the cruel act of vandalism, spoke of a dignified history that had been desecrated.
Tracks of the culprits were evident, leading away from the desecrated monument. The marks of their hasty retreat left a trail that beckoned for justice to be served.
Galadhil, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and sorrow, recognized the statue as a representation of his ancestors, a legacy from the days when their people had roamed these lands. The defacement of this monument was not just an act of vandalism; it was a personal affront to his lineage.
“By the memory of my forebears,” Galadhil muttered through clenched teeth, “we will avenge this sacrilege.”
The party stood before the vandalized monument, their resolve steeled not only by their quest to stop Shadna but also by the need to seek justice for this affront to the past.
Galadhil: Tracking: 29/60: Substantial Success
Q: Is it orc tracks? (Likely)
A: No, it’s not evident
Q: How many?
A: 7 sets of tracks
Galadhil, with his keen tracking skills, knelt down to examine the tracks leading away from the defaced monument. His fingers brushed gently over the disturbed earth as he analyzed the prints left behind.
“These tracks are not of orcs,” Galadhil remarked, his voice carrying a mix of relief and curiosity. “It’s something else, something not evident from these marks alone.”
As he continued to scrutinize the ground, it became clear that there were not just one or two sets of tracks, but a total of seven sets leading away from the glade. The mystery deepened as the party pondered who or what could have been responsible for defacing the monument and leaving behind this trail.
Since the tracks are visible despite the rain showers, they must be quite fresh. The party will begin the chase.
Q: Does it take long for them to find the perpetrators?
A: Yes, about 4 hours
Since Dwalin is the lead scout, I’ll roll Awareness to see the situation when he detects them.
Dwalin: Awareness: 95: Critical Failure
The party’s chase is detected by the enemy, and they are ambushed.
4th Watch
(12 pm to 4 pm)
Weather (9) remains cool, overcast skies with rain showers. The wind becomes SW windy.
Encounter: 16: No encounter
As the party pressed forward, following the fresh tracks left by those who had defaced the monument, they entered a dense and mist-shrouded forest. The rain continued to fall, making the pursuit all the more challenging. The terrain became rugged, with rocky outcroppings and steep inclines, slowing their progress.
Hours passed as they ventured deeper into the forest, their determination unwavering. Yet, despite their best efforts, they failed to spot any signs of the perpetrators they were chasing.
Just as frustration began to creep in, an unsettling feeling settled over them. The air grew still, and the sounds of the forest hushed to an eerie silence. It was then that Dwalin, who had been at the forefront of their chase, suddenly froze.
Too late did they realize that they had been detected. Emerging from the shadows of the trees were the hillmen, their faces painted with dark symbols, their eyes filled with hostility. It was clear that they were the ones responsible for the defacement of the monument, and they had been lying in wait, ready to ambush the party.
With Dwalin stumped, I will test for Awareness for the rest of the party to see if they are Surprised or not. If surprised they will not have TURNS in the first round.
Rewill: Awareness: 67/48: Marginal Failure
Ainiall: Awareness: 90/56: Critical Failure
Galadhil: Awareness: 2/48: Substantial Success
I need to evaluate the different levels of success with regards to this case.
Critical Failure: Caught completely unaware. They have no TURN action. Weapons sheathed. The only defense is IGNORE
Marginal Failure: Caught unaware. They have no TURN action. Weapons sheathed. The only defense is either block (if they have a shield strapped) or dodge.
Marginal Success: Weapons sheathed. They get to act normally on their turn.
Critical Success: Weapons at the ready. They get to act normally on their turn.
Unfortunately Dwalin and Ainiall have both critically failed to be aware of the situation. Any attack against them can be deadly, as Harnmaster has proven to be in the past.
Q: Are they surrounded?
A: No+Event
Event: Regenerate Ward
Dwalin in all his luck, has his shield strapped at his hand.
Round 1
Galadhil (56): Grope: Draws his broadsword.
Uthelren (45): Engage Dwalin: Dagger attack: 48/53: Marginal Success: A*3: 15: Neck: 6+5=11: S3 Serious Stab
Dwalin Shock Roll: 12/16: Success.
Truneth (44): Charge Dwalin: Dagger attack: 60/45: Critical Failure: –
Nerld (44): Charge Dwalin: Knife attack: 67/49: Marginal Failure: A*1: 64: Abdomen: 6+4-7=3: M1 Minor Stab
Dwalin Shock Roll: 15/16: Success.
Telda (40): Charge Galadhil (Block): Dagger attack: 12/53: Marginal Success
Galadhil: Block: 27/84: Marginal Success: Block
Dagger WQ: 11/11: withstands damage.
Broadsword WQ: 9/13: withstands damage.
Parsumen (40): Full Move towards Rewill.
Makan (36): Full Move towards Rewill.
Rae (36): Charge Rewill: 95/67: Critical Failure: –
In the midst of the forest, the tension hung heavy in the air as the party found themselves confronted by a group of hostile hillmen. These painted warriors, their faces adorned with dark symbols, had been waiting in ambush, and their intentions were clear.
Galadhil, the ranger, reacted swiftly, drawing his broadsword with a determined look in his eyes. He was prepared to defend his comrades and avenge the defaced monument.
One of the hillmen, Uthelren, made the first move, launching a dagger attack at Dwalin. The blade found its mark, slashing across Dwalin’s neck. The dwarf staggered but managed to maintain his composure.
Truneth, another of the hillmen, attempted to charge Dwalin but lost his footing, stumbling to the ground.
Nerld, the fourth assailant, lunged at Dwalin with a knife, targeting his abdomen. The attack connected, delivering a minor stab, but Dwalin’s resilience kept him from succumbing to shock.
Telda, one of the hillmen, turned her attention to Galadhil, launching a dagger attack. Galadhil deftly blocked the assault with his broadsword, the two weapons clashing in a flurry of steel. Both weapons withstood the force of the attack.
Meanwhile, two of the hillmen, Parsumen and Makan, moved swiftly towards Rewill, their intentions clear.
Lastly, Rae, the final hillman, charged at Rewill but faltered, her attack missing its mark.
Round 2
Rewill (75): Grope: Draws his mace.
Dwalin (60): Grope: Drops his backpack.
Galadhil (56): Attacks Nerld: 94/84: Marginal Failure
Nerld: Dodge: 13/70: Success: –
Ainiall (52): Cast Beam of Nolar on Parsumen (will fire at end of current Round)
Uthelren (45): Attack Dwalin: Dagger attack: 47/53: Marginal Success
Dwalin: Block with Shield: 96/44: Marginal Failure
Dwalin is hit: A*1: 12: Neck: 6+5=11: S3 Serious Stab
Dwalin Shock Roll: 30/16: Failure. Dwalin is down in shock.
Truneth (44): Engage Galadhil: Dagger attack: 91/45: Marginal Failure
Galadhil: Block: 14/84: Marginal Success: DTA: Defender Tactical Advantage: Attacks Truneth: Broadsword attack: 25: Critical Success
Truneth: Block: 16/45: Marginal Success
Truneth is hit: A*1: Left Hip: 6+5-3=8: S2 Serious Cut.
Truneth Stumble Roll: 13+5/11: Truneth Stumbles and is Prone.
Nerld (44): Engage Galdahil: Knife attack: 32/49: Marginal Success
Galadhil: Block: 42/74: Marginal Success: Block
Knife WQ: 8/10: withstands damage.
Broadsword WQ: 15/12: breaks. Counts as shortsword with no point.
Telda (40): Attack Galadhil (Block): Dagger attack: 83/53: Marginal Failure
Galadhil: Block: 21/64: Marginal Success: DTA: Defender Tactical Advantage: Attacks Telda: Broadsword attack: 86: Marginal Failure
Telda Counterattack: 20/53: Critical Success: D*2: 06: Face: Left Cheek: 8+5=13: G4 Grievous Stab. Galadhil is bleeding.
Galadhil Shock Roll: 11/13: Success.
Parsumen (40): Engage Rewill (Dodge): Handaxe attack: 38/66: Marginal Success
Rewill: Dodge: 75/75: Critical Success: –
Makan (36): Charge Ainiall (Dodge). Handaxe attack: 44/54 Marginal Success
Ainiall: Dodge: 30/55: Critical Success: –
Rae (36): Attack Rewill (Dodge): Broadsword attack: 33/67: Marginal Success
Rewill: Dodge: 35/65: Critical Success: –
Ainiall: Spellfire: 95/88: Critical Failure: 60: Confusion: The caster has confused the parts of two or more spells. In its simplest form, the mage has cast the wrong spell. The effects can be interesting, and perhaps dangerous.
Spell actually cast: Dispell. Has no effect.
Rewill, quickly drew his mace in preparation for the fight. Dwalin, although momentarily disoriented, managed to free himself from his backpack, making sure he was ready to face the assailants.
Galadhil, the ranger, tried to strike Nerld with his broadsword, but his attack missed as Nerld skillfully dodged the blow. Ainiall, the elven wizard, prepared to cast a spell, aiming to use her magical abilities to aid her comrades.
However, the hillmen were not to be underestimated. Uthelren, one of their number, launched a dagger attack at Dwalin, targeting his neck. Despite Dwalin’s attempt to block the strike with his shield, the dagger found its mark, causing a serious wound. Dwalin staggered and fell into shock, incapacitated by the injury.
Truneth, another hillman, tried to engage Galadhil but lost his balance and ended up on the ground, prone and vulnerable.
Nerld, undeterred by Galadhil’s earlier attack, moved to engage him, attacking with a knife. Galadhil managed to block the strike, but his broadsword suffered damage in the process, leaving it less effective.
Telda, one of the hillmen, launched a dagger attack at Galadhil, but he skillfully blocked it with his sword. In response, Galadhil attempted to strike Telda, but his attack narrowly missed. Telda, seizing an opportunity, counterattacked and stabbed Galadhil in the left cheek, causing a grievous injury. Despite the wound, Galadhil maintained his composure.
Meanwhile, Parsumen aimed an attack at Rewill with a handaxe, but Rewill’s quick reflexes allowed him to dodge the incoming strike. Makan charged at Ainiall, attempting an attack with a handaxe, but Ainiall’s agility allowed her to evade the blow.
Rae, the final hillman, attacked Rewill with a broadsword, but Rewill’s dodge was well-timed, and he avoided the strike.
Ainiall, in her attempt to cast a spell, experienced a momentary confusion, leading to the accidental casting of a spell that had no effect.
Round 3
Rewill (75): Attack Parsumen with Mace: 96/45: Marginal Failure
Dwalin (60): Shock Roll: 26/16: Failure: Unconscious
Galadhil (56): Attacks Nerld: 91/64: Marginal Failure
Nerld: Counterattack: 80/49: Critical Failure: Defender Fumble: 9/14: Success
Ainiall (52): Grope: Draws Dagger
Uthelren (45): Attack Galadhil (Block): Dagger attack: 23/53: Marginal Success
Galadhil: Block: 52/59: Marginal Success
Dagger WQ: 9/11: withstands damage.
Broken Broadsword WQ: 14/12: breaks completely.
Truneth (44): Rise: No longer Prone
Nerld (44): Attack Galdahil (Dodge): Knife attack: 90/49: Critical Failure
Galadhil: Dodge: 23/30: Marginal Success: DTA: Defender Tactical Advantage: Grope: Galadhil Draws a Dagger
Telda (40): Attack Galadhil (Block): Dagger attack: 53/53: Marginal Success
Galadhil: Block: 30/26: Critical Failure: Galadhil is Hit: A*2: 67: Abdomen: 7+5-4=8: S2 Serious Stab
Galadhil Shock Roll: 15/13: Failure: Galadhil is down in shock.
Parsumen (40): Attack Rewill (Dodge): Handaxe attack: 55/66: Critical Success
Rewill: Dodge: 84/75: Marginal Failure: Rewil is hit: A*2: Left Thigh: 10+6-3=13: G4 Grievous Cut. Rewill is bleeding.
Rewill: Shock Roll: 9/12: Success. He is not shocked.
Rewill: Stumble Roll: 8+7=15/18: Success. He still stands.
Makan (36): Attack Ainiall (Dodge). Handaxe attack: 31/54 Marginal Success
Ainiall: Dodge: 65/55: Critical Failure: Ainiall is hit: A*2: 23: Left Shoulder: 8+6-1=13: G4 Grievous Cut. Ainiall is bleeding.
Ainiall: Shock Roll: 14/10: Failure: Ainiall is down in shock.
Rae (36): Attack Rewill (Dodge): Broadsword attack: 87/67: Marginal Failure
Rewill: Dodge: 83/45: Marginal Failure: –
Rewill swung his mace at Parsumen, but his attack missed its mark. Dwalin remained unconscious, his condition growing more dire with each passing moment.
Galadhil attempted to strike Nerld with his dagger, but his aim faltered, and the attack failed to connect. In a stroke of fortune, Nerld’s counterattack was marred by a critical failure, leaving him unable to capitalize on the opening.
Ainiall, the elven wizard, drew her dagger in preparation for combat, her sharp amber eyes filled with determination.
Uthelren, one of the hillmen, targeted Galadhil with a dagger attack. Galadhil managed to block the strike with his remaining weapon, a dagger he had drawn earlier. The hillman’s dagger withstood the attack.
Truneth, who had fallen earlier, managed to rise to his feet, rejoining the battle.
Nerld, seeking to harm Galadhil once more, launched a knife attack. However, Galadhil’s dodge was well-executed, and he evaded the attack, even managing to disarm Nerld in the process.
Telda aimed a dagger strike at Galadhil, who tried to block it. Unfortunately, his attempt failed, and Telda’s dagger found its mark, stabbing Galadhil in the abdomen. The injury was serious, and Galadhil fell into shock, his strength waning.
Parsumen, one of the hillmen, turned his attention to Rewill, launching a handaxe attack. Rewill attempted to dodge the incoming strike but was unsuccessful. The handaxe struck his left thigh, causing a grievous wound that left him bleeding. However, Rewill’s resilience allowed him to stay on his feet despite the injury.
Makan, another of the hillmen, focused on Ainiall, launching a handaxe attack. Ainiall’s dodge attempt fell short, and she was hit on her left shoulder, suffering a grievous cut and bleeding profusely. The shock of the injury overwhelmed Ainiall, and she fell unconscious.
Rae, the final hillman, targeted Rewill with a broadsword attack, but his swing missed, and Rewill managed to evade the blow.
Round 4
Rewill (75): Attack Parsumen with Mace: 72/25: Marginal Failure
Dwalin (60): Shock Roll: 32/16: Failure: Unconscious
Galadhil (56): Shock Roll: 22/13: Failure: Unconscious
Ainiall (52): Shock Roll: 15/10: Failure: Unconscious
Uthelren, Truneth, Nerld and Telda just taunt at their defeated opponents as the other three hillmen are engaging Rewill.
Parsumen (40): Attack Rewill (Dodge): Handaxe attack: 59/66: Marginal Success
Rewill: Dodge: 15/55: Critical Success: –
Makan (36): Attack Rewill (Dodge). Handaxe attack: 73/54 Marginal Failure
Rewill: Dodge: 32/45: Marginal Success: –
Rae (36): Attack Rewill (Dodge): Broadsword attack: 77/67: Marginal Failure
Rewill: Dodge: 62/35: Marginal Failure: –
Rewill, determined to hold his ground, swung his mace at Parsumen, but his attack missed its mark. Despite the odds stacked against him, Rewill’s resolve remained unshaken.
The three remaining hillmen, Uthelren, Truneth, Nerld, and Telda, jeered at their defeated adversaries, reveling in their apparent victory. Their taunts echoed through the forest, a cruel reminder of the dire situation the party found themselves in.
Parsumen, one of the hillmen, launched another handaxe attack at Rewill, determined to finish the job. But Rewill’s agility prevailed, and he evaded the strike with a critical success, narrowly escaping harm.
Makan, another of the hillmen, swung his handaxe at Rewill in a desperate attempt to strike down the defiant adventurer. However, Rewill’s quick reflexes allowed him to dodge the attack, avoiding the lethal blow. Rae, the final hillman, focused his broadsword on Rewill, seeking to bring an end to the battle. His swing, however, missed its mark, and Rewill managed to evade the attack, defying the odds against him.
Round 5
Rewill (75): Attack Parsumen with Mace: 13/25: Marginal Success
Parsumen Counterattack: 100: Critical Failure
Parsumen is hit: A*3: 42: Right Hand: 12+6=18: G5 Grevious Crush.
Parsumen Shock Roll: 13/11: Failure. Parsumen is down in Shock.
Dwalin (60): Shock Roll: 28/16: Failure: Unconscious
Galadhil (56): Shock Roll: 14/13: Failure: Unconscious
Ainiall (52): Shock Roll: 9/10: Success: Recovers. Shock Roll: 16: Ainiall is in shock.
Uthelren (45): Engage Rewill (Dodge): Dagger attack: 11/53: Marginal Success
Rewill: Dodge: 95/55: Critical Failure: Rewill is hit: A*2: 87: Left Thigh: 7+5-2=10: S3 Serious Stab
Rewill: Shock Roll: 30/12: Failure. Rewill is down in Shock.
The fight is over.
As the battle raged on, the rain-soaked forest seemed to weep for the fallen combatants. The odds had turned in favor of Rewill, the sole conscious member of the party, as he swung his mace with determination. His blow landed true, striking Parsumen’s right hand with crushing force. Parsumen cried out in pain, his hand mangled and useless. The shock of the injury overwhelmed him, and he collapsed, defeated.
Dwalin, Galadhil, and Ainiall remained unconscious, their bodies bearing the scars of the brutal fight. The rain continued to fall, adding to the melancholy atmosphere of the forest.
Ainiall, however, began to stir. Despite the injuries she had sustained, she managed to regain consciousness. She groggily assessed the dire situation, her sharp amber eyes darting around as she struggled to recover from the shock of battle. Uthelren, one of the remaining hillmen, attempted to engage Rewill in combat. He lunged at the adventurer with his dagger, but Rewill’s quick reflexes allowed him to narrowly evade the attack. However, in his desperate attempt to dodge, Rewill stumbled and was struck in the left thigh by Uthelren’s blade. The wound was serious, and the shock of the injury overtook Rewill as he crumpled to the ground, joining the ranks of the fallen.
Let’s see if Dwalin will recover prior to Ainiall bleeding out.
(~59 rolls)
1st minute: No
2nd minute: No
3rd minute: No
4th minute: No
5th minute: No
6th minute: Yes
Dwalin Recovers. Dwalin Shock Roll: 26/16: Failure. Dwalin is in Shock
Let’s see if Galadhil will recover prior to Ainiall bleeding out.
1st minute: No
2nd minute: Yes
Galadhil Recovers. Galadhil Shock Roll: 26/13: Failure. Galadhil is in Shock
Let’s see if Rewill will recover prior to Ainiall bleeding out.
1st minute: No
2nd minute: Yes
Rewill Recovers. Rewill Shock Roll: 23/12: Failure. Rewill is in Shock
Therefore, they’re all in Shock and Ainiall, Rewill and Galadhil all will bleed out due to their Grievous wounds.
Q: Do the hillmen abandon their fallen foes? (Likely)
A: No+Event
Event: Release Weapon
No, they finish them off.
The battle was brutal and unforgiving. As the party fought valiantly against the hillmen, the odds seemed stacked against them. However, they managed to take down Parsumen, one of the hillmen, in a fierce exchange of blows. Unfortunately, their victory was short-lived.
Dwalin, Galadhil, Ainiall, and Rewill were all left severely wounded, with grievous injuries that left them in shock. As they lay on the rain-soaked forest floor, their enemies, the hillmen, showed no mercy. Instead of retreating, the hillmen chose to finish off their fallen foes.
One by one, the hillmen approached the incapacitated adventurers, their eyes filled with malice. They released their weapons, determined to ensure that there would be no survivors from the party. The rain continued to fall, washing away the blood that stained the forest floor as the hillmen carried out their ruthless deed.
Session Summary
After another fight which ended in TPK using Harnmaster, I’m left wondering if I did seriously misjudge the game balance.
I will break down some points of thought.
Outnumbering plays a big role in Harnmaster. However this is mitigated by skill and equipment. The ability to react to all attacks against you supposedly can make skilled warriors overcome multiple weaker foes.
I used HarnChar to generate the Hillmen using Tribal Culture and Hunter/Trapper occupations. This generated enemies weaker than my party both in skill and in equipment (mostly daggers and cloth tunics).
I may have miscalculated the enemies combat skill ML, by not applying encumbrance penalties as I was unsure if these were already factored in the weapon AML/DML factors. This could have played a role.
However I also houseruled that being outnumbered gives an increasing penalty to each extra Defense (BRP style) instead of being total like in HM RAW. Considering that, was in favour of my party.
The initial AWARENESS Critical Failures crippled my party who could not react in the first turn, and also were carrying all their adventuring gear in their backs.
Considering a party lineup with Dwalin in front (he’s the scout) who is also our main warrior, he got jumped quickly.
The first turns of combat were crucial and the dice rolls were unforgiving. Two neck stabs on Dwalin, and a Critical Failure on spellcasting (which Ainiall had CML of 88!) pretty much sealed our fate.
Harnmaster combat works with Death Spiral. The more you’re hurt, the worse you can fight, it was a matter of time after the first wounds were delivered.
Armour is important. It’s really hard to put on more armour without increasing encumbrance. I need to read more on it.
Overall, with regards to the TPK, my balancing and tactics were not that bad. Just really bad dice rolls that prevented us from having a proper fighting chance.
Nevertheless Harnmaster has this magical thing that even such a loss is delivered in cinematic proportions. We lost, but it was so interesting to play out I almost feel bad for enjoying the defeat.
Now on the Trollshaws story, this is the end. I may revisit Middle Earth in the future, but with this closure I can focus on other solo plays I have in mind.
Solo, Pen, Paper and Dice 
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