Despite the lateness of the hour, the community of Bildsfell was hard at work, outfitting a longboat to enable Gauk to reach his brother Steinbitr. Time was of the essence and Gauk had stated that he would be embarking at first light.
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"The way I see it," began Gauk to a motley collection of Bildsfell's most accomplished navigators and seafarers, "as of the morrow, Stienbitr has a 2-day lead on us. Presently he'd still be heading to Brackwater Cove to meet Katla."
Elstan Malik, Captain of The Minerve spoke up. "Knowing your brother, he'll wait out the day and leave the following morning. From Brackwater, it's another 5-days travel to the region of the Hulk. If the weather was with us... mmm... maybe during Icebreak we could do it, but this deep into Breakfrost... mmm".
"There must be a way Elstan! Kaland? Torrans? Do not forswear me now," Gauk commanded the assembled sailors. "My brother's life is at stake and now is the time for boldness and iron, not excuses!"
So now Gauk is pressing his community to help him save his brother. It's not exactly altruistic, nor is he truly selfish as Stienbitr's good nature was beloved by one-and-all. I think I'll play this as a COMPEL Move again, but instead of attempting to charm the townsfolk, it's more of a veiled threat, making it a Roll + Iron. Let's see how it goes:
[4] + 2 Iron + 1 Shared Bond = [7] Action vs Versus [3] and [5] Challenge Die
That's a Stong Hit (i.e. two successes), which yields "...they’ll do what you want or share what they know. Take +1 momentum. If you use this exchange to Gather Information, make that move now and add +1." So Gauk's momentum is now at Plus-4, a good start to the adventure! Now attempt to GATHER INFORMATION:
...and another Strong Hit, yielding a further +2 momentum (now at Plus-6) and "...you discover something helpful and specific. The path you must follow or action you must take to make progress is made clear. Envision what you learn (Ask the Oracle if unsure)". It's Oracle time!
I suspect that there could be at least two options: cutting down supplies to a bare minimum with extra oarsmen etc so the ship can travel faster than their quarry else maybe bypassing a peninsular or some other hazard and heading overland, thereby reducing the distance as the crow flies. Yeah, the latter sounds a tad more the stuff of sagas, so I'll call that 'likely' and roll. A 26 or greater means that's the suggestion: I rolled 80, so it's shortcut time!
"There is a way," Elstan offered, tracing out a journey, "not without danger, but it can be done. My father made a similar voyage by disembarking at Springsevain and trekking overland directly to the Northern Straight. It is tough going, but being free from the winds' charity and the shorter course will mean my lads can pull their oars all the harder. Now as to how you can get Steinbitr's attention..."
Gauk reached forward and embraced the grizzled pilot. "Captain, one challenge at a time. I am indebted to you ann my honour, this will not be forgotten. This is my oath and vow as a Warden and Man of Iron."
That sounds like a new vow. Looking through the rules, the suggestion is that one should ration the number of vows and oaths taken - I imagine that's to reign in the focus of the story. Okay...
"No Gauk," commanded Captain Elstan, "now you must focus on your brother's safety. We will talk of debts upon your return. I will not hear another word on the matter. Now men of Bildsfell - strip that boat back! You lot, my crew will need plenty of food, before and during our travels. And gloves! By the Old Crow, anyone who doesn't wear through a pair a day will be swimming back to the Lucent. We've a saga in the making lads, let's get to it!"
The community of Bildsfell toiled throughout the night, readying the crew to transport Gauk to The Isthmus of Raynigan. After debarking at Springsevain, he'd hike to Northern Straight and endeavour to hail his brother Steinbitr as he travels toward the Hulk.
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