One of the very cool effects of having played for 20+ years together is watching certain children grow up around our game. Our nieces and nephews are some of those unique people who recall our first apartment and the miniatures that inhabited it way back then with great fondness.
This summer, we had the pleasure of starting one of those "kids" in her first storyline. Our niece, now in her 20's, and her boyfriend had wargamed with us and we decided they were ready to come play with the big boys.
First episodes with us are usually started with a dramatic (or traumatic) episode in a PC's childhood that speaks to the themes or characters that will be relevant in the night's adventure.
We begin with a young boy, called to the King's Court at Loland Keep.
This boy was almost seven, and had been brought up all his life in a rather well-to-do-manner in the wealthy town of Timlin. His mother was Gautrian, but his father was a Kildarian knight. The boy never knew he had a grandfather until this day that his family went to King Ulrik to settle a suit, and his grandfather won.
There he heard his grandfather demand to foster him in his lands at South Hold, away from Timlin Town and the boy's home.
“I’ve already given my judgement, so no arguing,” said the king, “and no crying either. This is your grandfather. He holds many lands in South Gautria. Under his watch, you will learn how to be a Gautrian. He’ll teach you the meaning of honor, and sacrifice for your shield-brothers. Jarl Gudmar Volsung will bring you up to be a fine warrior.
“But all men should know their lineage, and remember their parents’ names. I put it to you, boy, how will you be known? Take the Kildarian’s name, or embrace your Volsung blood?”
The boy looked to his father, then to the king. He spoke surely in the great hall with a voice larger than his seven years, so all present could hear him.
“I am Melkor Voclain, Your Highness. And I will keep my father’s name.”
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Aedelfrid Volsung traveled in the wagon with the other women as her brother Thorgils had insisted. Thorgils had surprised her by allowing her to go to the spring Thing this year. He then resumed his commanding ways and refused to let her ride her horse.
When their wagon rolled to a stop, Aedelfrid stood up and saw a group of riders in red livery approach.
“Hail, Ottar Gudmarson!” shouted Thorgils to the lead rider.
“Thorgils, good to see you at last!” said Ottar as the cavalry surrounded the wagon.
“May I present my sister, Aedelfrid Volsung? Aedelfrid, this is Ottar, son of Gudmar Volsung.”
“We thank you for your escort,” said Aedelfrid.
Ottar flashed a bright smile. “You are most welcome, fine lady.” Aedelfrid smiled politely in return, and turned her attention to Ottar’s retinue. There her gaze was held by a handsome young warrior riding behind Ottar. He sat tall and proud in his saddle, and his eyes shone over his blonde beard. Aedelfrid was so lost staring at his visage that she barely heard the shouts of alarm.
“Orcs! Orcs!”
Ottar spun his horse away and led his cavalry for a group of orcs emerging from the trees.
Thorgils ordered his infantry to surround the wagon.
As her infantry started to take losses, Aedelfrid decided she and her ladies would be safer in the hills, so she led them from the wagon.
A huge urog burst from the woods behind them and was stopped by Thorgils’ brave men.
Aedelfrid and the women had almost reached the cover of the treeline when an orc shaman appeared in front of them.
As Aedelfrid defended her ladies against the orc shaman, the cavalry under Ottar’s command engaged a cluster of nearly naked orcs.
There was one rider amongst Ottar’s thanes who distinguished himself in the melee. The blonde rider who had stared so at Aedelfrid fought valiantly. He hewed down the biggest orc, and protected his wounded comrades as the fight grew bloody.
The cavalry at last overcame the orcs and rode to the women in time to witness Aedelfrid slay the shaman. The handsome young rider was most impressed with Aedelfrid’s mettle.
The group took to the road and traveled only a few hours more before they arrived at South Hold.
South Hold was held by Ottar’s father, Jarl Gudmar Volsung. The wooden fortification stood guard over the crossing of the Lugnan River on the road to Timlin Town. Jarl Gudmar kept safe the south-western corner of South Gautria, defending the lands from the marauding wild orcs.
Many folk were gathered inside the palisade to meet Aedelfrid’s entourage. The handsome young warrior dismounted and quickly extended his hand to help Aedelfrid from the wagon. As their fingers met, a long glance passed between them.
“At your service, My Lady,” the young man said. “I am Melkor Voclain.”
Aedelfrid was about to reply when Melkor’s thane brothers crowded around him.
“Help the horses instead, bastard,” one chided Melkor. “This lady is your better!”
Servants offered to escort Aedelfrid to the great hall.
Jarl Gudmar was prepared for their arrival. Tables were laden with food, and many well-dressed folks filled the hall.
What did the rest of the evening hold for our young star-crossed players?
Come to the website to read about the feast, and see more pictures:
http://swordandsorceryrpg.com/lotv_01/Jevenkah
14 July 2009, 03:17:07 PM