Creating my Character Continued.

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 Brother's Herlusson (Individual Bond)

Gauk and Steinbitr were born twins.  Bildsfell tradition has it that only the firstborn child is destined for the life of a Warden, and as Gauk is the elder by a mere matter of minutes, it was Gauks lot to follow a martial route whilst Steinbitr learned the way of the cold seas and northerly winds.  Regardless of their divergent paths, the two brothers have remained inseparable in their devotion for one another.

Background Bond #2: Bildsfell Warden (Community Bond)

Gauk has served diligently as a Bildsfell Warden for the requisite 20 years and is well respected for his cool judgement, even temperament and pragmatic application of the spirit of the town's customs.  While he has retired from active ranging duties, his counsel is regularly sought by all, none the least Overseers who are quick to leverage his reputation throughout the Ragged Coast circumstances permitting.

Gauk's Assets

The game has all sorts of "Assets" - skills and things that make your character special.  It could be a pet, combat technique, magical power... there are heaps to choose from.  Keeping with the manner in which I'm building Gauk's character, I arrived at these three (the rules suggest choosing up to three when creating a character):

• Honorbound provides Gauk with a bonus if he attempts to Turn the Tide, a last-ditch effort to recover control of the fight. It is that moment when all seems lost, but the hero somehow rallies.  I think this fits his charismatic presence and the faith he infuses those he fights with.
• Veteran allows Gauk to buff his combat results, applying his hard-earned experience in the thick of a fight.
• Wayfinder reflects Gauk's ability to travel efficiently and safely.  He's more likely than most to get to where he needs to be and leverage the situation to his advantage.

The rules include Asset Cards.  Each Card typically has three features, one of which is initially active.  During the course of the adventure, experience is earned and additional features or even Assets are granted.

Gauk's Equipment

Wardens are able to avail themselves of amongst the best of equipment and supplies Bildsfell can afford.  Leathers, ropes, rations are all of the highest quality and the armoury can provide all manner of weaponry, if not the product of the hamlet's forges, otherwise acquired and maintained in readiness as needs dictate.

Gauk's 'standard' kit includes a helm, a brace of hand axes, sturdy spears and a recurve bow.  His mail shirt is exceptional, an heirloom handed down from firstborn to firstborn through the generations.  While it's relatively heavy for the protection it affords, it is artfully braced and cut, which dampens its noise and means it can be carried with little impediment provided the wearer has the strength to bear its weight.

Okay, last checks...

Name ✓, Stats ✓, Location ✓, Truths ✓, Assets ✓, Background Bonds ✓, Equipment ✓, Vows... hang on, I've got to set the Background Vow a rank of Extreme or Epic AND Swear an Iron Vow, which I think relates to Gauk's Inciting Incident.

Gauk's Background Vow will be set to Extreme at the moment and should the fugitive Overseer end up being something more than a man on the run, maybe then I'll consider upgrading it to Epic.  I checked with some people on the Discord Server and the consensus was that an Iron Vow to join and protect Steinbitr fits the mould, so I'll write and roll that up more formally when play starts - which should be soon!