Dear fellows,
Some weeks ago we played our first series of "Broadsword Adventures" games. The theme was our interpretation of the
Nibelungen saga, a famous legend here in Germany with possible origins way back in the Migration period. It's presented here in a condensed version of a more elaborate report written for a competition at German Sweetwater forum. Sadly we were thrown out in the first round, but maybe you're nonetheless interested.
There are three scenarios, linked together in a campaign. Here's the first one, the others might follow - as you wish.
It's about the year 425 AD at the Rhine frontier. Again and again Germanic warbands are crossing the river into the Roman provinces in search of plunder. The Roman eagle is wounded but nevertheless a dangerous foe - and many warbands find their way home blocked by Roman patrols eager for revenge [
historical note: the legend of the "Rheingold", Siegfried's cursed hoard, might have derived from such incidents]. Lately, a party transporting plunder destined for the court of Siegfried, Frankish prince of Xanten, has been annihilated by such a patrol.
The prince has given two young noblemen the chance to distinguish themselves in his service by searching the area and bringing back as much of "his goods" as they can - a difficult task since only one of them can win the prize, and there are still some vigilant Romans around.
This is the area our heroes are to browse (viewed from the north-east). There's also a barge ready to be loaded with any goods they discover. Whoever escapes with the barge just before sunrise (i.e. the end of the game), wins the scenario.
Giffo (helmeted) and his henchman Ranulf arrive on the scene from the north-west. A bit overdressed for stealth tactics...
... Giffo immediately attracts the attention of a Roman patrol nearby. Since attack is the best means of defence, Giffo decides to show off his superior fighting skills and counterattacks.
Meanwhile Ranulf dashes forward, only to find the German black forests slightly enlightened by a glimmer from the east [
first trigger for sunrise]. Maybe he's overrun the morning break a bit. However, Ranulf makes up for it by discovering a chest full of gold and hurries to the barge.
Anyway, Gaidemar (red cloak) and his follower Ragnfrid haven't been dormant as they've seen the glowing horizon, too [
second trigger]. Well concealed under a rubbish heap Gaidemar espies a piece of jewelry and joins Ranulf in his run for the riverbank.
The rumbling raises suspicion of another patrol. Real gentlemen don't waste their talent, so Gaidemar sends Ragnfrid to deal with those Roman conscripts.
Self-confidently Ragnfrid takes the opportunity to prove his prowess...
...only to be overwhelmed by superior Roman weapons and training (even for conscripts) - Ouch!
Now the guards are hard on Gaidemar's heels.
Whereas Giffo betters his foes hands down. As one of them chooses to fall back, Giffo recognizes Gaidemar, obviously laden with plunder and heading for the Rhine. Giffo decides that it's time to find his own special souvenir for Siegfried. But he's out of luck...
Finally the sun rises [
third trigger] and our heroes have to get away immediately - you really don't want to mess with Roman patrol boats, full of hardened marines and those nasty scorpio-things. Therefore it's understandable (if inexcusable) that Ragnfrid, as he throws himself into the barge, isn't willing to wait for any laggards and "sets sail" for the other shore.
Gaidemar, Giffo and unconscious Ragnfrid are left behind. Now they have to find another lift, but with the Romans alerted that's perhaps one of their minor problems. At least Giffo can derive comfort from the fact that the first "present" for Siegfried will be delivered by his man...
Scenario's outcome:
Giffo's side wins and he joins Siegfried's services!
27 August 2006, 09:58:16 PM