Ironsworn Solo

There are plenty of games out there, wargames and role-playing games (RPGs) galore.   The hobby has been going strong for 50-odd years by my reckoning and really there's something out there for everyone's tastes. Enter  COVID-19.   Suddenly the social aspect of gaming is all but gone.  Sure, we can play over Zoom, try Tabletop Simulator etc, but it feels like a pale imitation of the real thing.  I spent some time first looking for, then writing my own solo wargaming rules and during the process, stumbled upon solo RPGs.  "Solo RPGs? How is that even possible?"  I wondered.

I had a decent scan of the rulebook over a few nights, trying to get a broad impression of how things work.  With that under my belt, I jumped to page 192 and we're off! The rules suggest that unless you have a strong sense as to your character's identity, you can "Create your World" which may act as a catalyst for your hero.  Sounds good, as I know little about Vikings.  Reading through the various 'sketches' of the Ironlands' peninsula, the Ragged Coast  (picture a coast that is ragged) struck a chord, kind of reminding me of some of the scenes in a recent Warhammer 40k novel I had read with Space Wolves etc.  Excellent!  I can lift some of what I vaguely recall about that particular novel (I'll find out the actual name later) and use it to help me envision my Ironsworn World's setting. Apparently now I need to jump to Your Truths : three choices that set the campaign's background and tone while providing the basis for quests and se...

I got things a little wrong last time.  Rather than choosing three Truths in total, I actually needed to choose one of the three Truths for each Category, of which there are several.  I've now filled in the blanks and during the process, I've got some good seeds for Quests.  That's a clever way of squeezing some creativity out of us less than creative types PS those with an asterisk were materially written by me.

So now that I've gotten my Region and Truths both selected, I need to describe my Settlement - the place where the story begins.  While there's an excellent name generator in the rules, I've instead turned to a n online name generator that I like which yields Bildsfell and then created a quick map using another generator . Okay, I'm going to set myself a goal: a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) whenever I am describing place or scene.  Here it goes:

The creation of a character - make that MY character.  Glup.  It feels so... climactic.  The Ironsworn rulebook has plenty detailed to help get things moving, but it all starts with a name.  How about Gauk Herlusson?   Done. Gauk's vital statistics There are five statistics, each given a value from 1 to 3 and used to modify resolution dice rolls. A higher number means the more exceptional the character is in that regard. To start, I need to allocate bonuses of 3, 2, 2, 1 and 1 across the five stats. Edge: Quickness, agility, and prowess in ranged combat. [1] No longer a young man, Gauk's eyesight is failing him and his hips have suffered the brunt of many a heavy load. Heart: Courage, willpower, empathy, sociability, and loyalty. [3] Gauk's a stalwart of his village, respected by all for his wise counsel and enterprising nature. He's all too well aware that survival in the Ironlands is dependent upon how effectively his community can pull to...

So I'm in the process of fleshing out Gauk, my hero/character.  His stats are done and he's got a Background Vow and an Inciting Incident defined.  Consulting the guide, I've still got a couple of things to address. Gauk's Background Bonds Bonds reflect the relationships forged with others during the course of a Character's life.  They provide narrative texture to the world, fleshing out other people and inhabitants, provide places to return to and people to reconnect with. Mechanically, they provide benefits when your Character interacts with the bonded community or individual. Apparently, up to three Bonds should be detailed to commence with.  I must admit, this is the first piece of the rules that wasn't absolutely crystal clear upon the first read.  I joined the Ironsworn Discord Server, had a hunt around, and think I have a better idea as to what they're about.  I think I will run with two Background Bonds for the moment. Background Bond #1:...

The rulebook describes two different methods for starting play, either beginning with the normal world else in media res .   The normal world feels a little taxing, both creatively and otherwise, so I might just get right into it... Glup... well here we go... "Warden, speak to me, what has happened to you?" begged Gauk of his protegee, Katla Thrandottir. "Guak there is no point,"  Katla whispered sympathetically.  "All things come to an end and... here we are."  With that, she simply turned away to face the darkening sky, lost in her own thoughts. Bildsfell's Overseer, Ingirun Spiutdottir steered the big man from Katla's room.  "Let her rest Gauk.  Gods know she's not talking any sense anyhow.  She'll share more in her own time, but now you and I have important matters to discuss." "Steinbitr," answered Gauk.  "My brother. What is to become of him?  If I am to protect him, I need to know more about the hu...