Arrows of War
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Arrows of War A mini scenario by Martin Helsdon Sample file Author’s Notes: This scenario was originally published in a slightly different form on the basicroleplaying.org forum and titled War in Winter. The name has changed to prevent confusion with another scenario published in the Jonstown Compendium. This is a mini-scenario for the RuneQuest Colymar Campaign, set a week before the events of THE DRAGON OF THE THUNDER HILLS. It involves the players as participants in the defense of Sartar in the face of another Lunar assault, and provides them with events in which less commonly used skills may be applied. Though they are distant bystanders to the Battle of Dangerford, this mini-scenario is intended to introduce aspects of Glorantha that will be important as the Hero Wars progress. The GM is free to add events and characters of their own invention. For anyone wishing more information about Gloranthan warfare, and Orlanthi traditions in particular, the reader is referred to The Armies and Enemies of Dragon Pass by the same author. For GMs seeking more information about the Eleven Lights, the HeroQuest scenario book The Eleven Lights by Ian Cooper provides details about this magical regiment. The settlement of Runegate is detailed in the HeroQuest volume the Sartar Companion by Jeff Richard. It is likely that this settlement will be covered by a future official RuneQuest book. Your Glorantha Will Vary. Illustrations by: Martin Helsdon RuneQuest is a Trademark of Moon Design Publications and is used with their permission via the OBS Community Content program. For more information please visit Chaosium’s website: www.chaosium.com The Chaosium and RuneQuest Logos are used under license. Copyright © 2019 by Martin Helsdon Sample file - 2 - Scenario Summary After their earlier exploits, the adventurers are summoned to join the tribal army and march to war. Fazzur Wideread is leading an army south from Alda- Chur. The Colymar are tasked in aiding the defense of the river crossing at Runegate. Scenario Timeline Death Week, Dark Season 1625 Freezeday Black Arrows sent out from Clearwine Fort Waterday Black Arrow passes through Apple Lane Clayday Muster at Runegate Windsday Wait at Two Sisters; Battle of Dangerford Fireday Aftermath but the tidings are grim: King Pharandros of Tarsh has Wildday Returning home reacted to Starbrow’s revolt by sending a large Tarshite Godsday Religious celebrations at the temples and army to reinforce Lunar rule in Alda-Chur. With the shrines of Orlanth north secure, the Tarshite generals are sending a counter-attack to bring Sartar back under their heel. Scenario The adventurers can ignore the summons — ‘no one It is Death Week, early in Dark Season; there is icy rain can make you do anything’ — but failing to fulfill and the first flurries of the snows of winter. This is a obligations to the clan and tribe will deserve a season for staying at home near the hearth fires, doing reputation as a coward or oath-breaker and could result work at home and hall, and rarely for war, but war is in fines or even outlawry. Their Reputation will coming. The first the players know is the arrival of a increase by 1D6, but Honor fall by -15% and Loyalties herald on horseback bearing a black arrow and four to clan, tribe and Queen Leika will fall by 1D10. Fulfilling other riders carrying torches that burn Blue, Yellow, their obligation will increase Loyalty by 1D3. Black, and Red – for the four enemy elements. This is Speaking with others (at Clearwine Fort, or the riders the summons for the clan’s militia — the fyrd — to at Apple Lane as they hurriedly change horses at the muster. Horsemasters’ Guild Hall), the adventurers learn that If the adventurers are in Clearwine Fort they witness Kallyr Starbrow has petitioned the tribes to provide the heralds leaving the fort and immediately sense the troops for the fight; many march to her banner. Queen summons; if at Apple Lane they sense this as riders pass Leika has agreed to defend the lower crossing of The through the village and have a brief opportunity to Creek at Two Sisters, wary of an attack on Runegate. No question them. There is little time for gathering news, one knows which route the invasion will take – there are only two crossings of The Creek an army could use in Travel Times this season: Dangerford or Two Sisters. In the original In this season the best time can be made using the invasion, the Lunars made a feint at the latter, and this trade roads from Clearwine Fort and from Apple time they might choose that route, expecting the Lane to Runegate: about 48 km from Clearwine Fort Sartarites to assume they will take the most direct route taking a day and a half; about 13 km from Apple to retake Jonstown and Boldhome. Delecti might lend Lane taking half a day. It then takes another half day his undead again to support an attack towards to reach Two Sisters. This early in the season, the Runegate. Whether the Necromancer would comply condition of the trade roads is still good, though they after he was tricked last time is debated. deteriorate with the passage of so many feet and If at Clearwine Fort, the adventurers can join the hooves. mustering militia and ride or march. If at Apple Lane DrivingSample a chariot or other wheeled vehicle will be they should muster at Runegatefile to join the tribal militia; very difficult, with the wheels frequently getting Hendroste the Horsemaster and members of the local stuck. There is a risk of chariot wheels breaking. militia will join with them. It is cold, days are growing - 3 - .