Ironsworn Legacies (Ironsworn 2e) Alpha Test
[On Sunday, Shawn Tomkin has released a first, VERY early draft of the second Edition of Ironsworn, just around 25 pages and only the barebones of the mechanics. Now, being the Ironsworn fanboy that I am, I had to test it out ASAP, and what I played through, you can read down below.
Generally speaking, Legacies still takes place in the Ironlands, but a few generations later, and focuses on making the Ironlands a more liveable place. A number of rules have changed, but I don't want to go into detail too much here (go check it out yourself!), but moves are gone and replaced by a single roll, which takes the effects it can have, depending on your approach (still Edge, Heart, Iron, Wits and Shadow) from so called action codices, which include a slew of oracle tables. Additionally, the three bars (Health, Spirit and Supply) have been replaced by a number of impacts you're marking, and instead of XP you gain boons, which you can use to buy/improve assets (not included in the playtest yet), or change the face of the Ironlands. Besides this, you need to know that there's now three positions your character can be in (reminiscent of Forged in the Dark): Favoured, Pressured and Desperate. These change how dangerous or favourable your rolls become.]
Got a bit of a mix of digital and analogue going here, since there's not a lot of helpful tools for the playtest yet (though an hour after I started, somebody created a homebrew addon for Iron Vault on the Discord, kudos!)
Swear an Iron Vow/Quest (Dangerous): 'Get the Northern Mine running again'
Setting out from the Village of Eaglespire, set upon a large rock outcropping in the Tempest Hills, the local chieftain was paying me to check up on the copper mines to the north, the villages most important source of income. And if something was amiss there, or on the way there, I was supposed to 'get it back onto track', whatever that means. Before leaving, I asked around the village for some information, but only got vague answers about the wildlife on the road being dangerous, as well as ancient spirits leading travellers astray. I'm armed enough to fight off some wolves, but I sure as rot won't get into any tangle with spirits, that much I can tell you right now.
Start a Journey (Formidable): Reach the Northern Mine First Roll: 3 vs 1 and 3; 2 Advantages, 1 Misfortune Mark Progress & Gain +1 Momentum; Face a setback (43; Endurance tested)
Right from the start, the journey was slow-going, and I was starting to wish I could finally buy one of the woolly mammoths of the local giant tribes. The terrain in the Tempest Hills is always rough, but this was more than a goat's trail than a proper footpath and the strong gusts of wind up here on the mountainside weren't helping either.
Take Action (TA) with Iron, Tempt Fate: 8 vs 3 and 2; 3 Advantages Overcome a Setback (Endurance Tested), Find an Opportunity (Plentiful Foraging and Game)
Luckily for me, at least food wasn't a problem. While my axe and sword are terrible hunting weapons, I managed to forage a large number of berries as well as bird's eggs while on the trail. I pulled my woollen cloak tighter around myself, hoping for the weather to improve soon.
TA with Wits: 6 vs 2 and 8; 2 Advantages, 1 Misfortune Mark Progress, +1 Momentum, Mark an Impact (Harmed)
Too bad I got a bit greedy, hoping to improve my rations even more than before, and I scratched my leg pretty badly while climbing yet another tree for more eggs. Doesn't matter, it'll be fine by tomorrow, for now it just stings annoyingly.
TA with Wits: 7 vs 9 and 5; 2 Advantages, 1 Misfortune Mark Progress, +1 Momentum, Increase Tension (4 segment clock)
At least I found a good spot to set up camp for the night, and managed to collect some firewood, so I could fry my eggs on the small pan I'm carrying in my backpack. Again, a mammoth would be really handy to carry all this stuff I need to haul myself... The overhang I set up camp under protected me from most of the freezing rain coming down during the night at least, and after a good breakfast I set out on the trail again.
TA with Wits; +1 from Breakfast (Opportunity), Tempt Fate: 7 vs 1 and 4; 3 Advantages Make a Discovery: 32; Untapped Resource
At least the trail started to get broader and easier to traverse. Too bad that also distracted me from where I placed my foot, and before I knew it I sank into the ground with my left, and fell onto my right knee when my balance gave out. I quickly pulled my leg out of the crag in the rock that my leg got trapped in. Miraculously, I didn't get hurt, but while pulling my leg out I spied something interesting. I followed the crag for a while and managed to find a large enough opening to shimmy myself in. Leaving my backpack, shield and axe behind, I strapped my sword tighter and climbed down into the crag.
TA with Iron: 6 vs 9 and 1; 2 Advantages, 1 Misfortune Gain +2 Momentum, Increase Tension
Now, without going into too much detail, but this place was a treasure. Iron inside the rock, and a lot of it. And just a single day away from Eaglespire, instead of three like the copper mine. Now, this will be a good place to know, once I get enough resources together to exploit it. (2 Boons) I quickly climbed back out again, marking the spot in my head. While strapping my backpack back on, I noticed somebody, or something, was trying to get at the contents unsuccessfully. Probably the wildlife. Next time, I should hang it up on a tree branch.
TA with Wits: 8 vs 6 and 6; 2 Advantages, Match! Mark Progress, Gain +1 Momentum, Progress on Quest due to match
Continuing my journey, everything seemed to really be going my way. Which was starting to unnerve me. Maybe one of the gods was smiling on me, maybe they were simply luring me into a trap. Nevertheless, I actually managed to find an easier path forward, and I only needed to misuse my war axe as a lumber axe for a bit. Felling two sickly looking trees, and hacking through a bunch of shrubbery with my sword, I managed to find a trail that goes along the side of the mountain, instead of on top of it. Not only was that trail slightly broader, it was also much better covered from the weather. If Eaglespire started using this trail, they'd have a much easier time transporting their copper in the future.
TA with Wits: 3 vs 8 and 9; 1 Misfortune, lose Position (now Pressured) Increase Tension
Walking along that trail, I spotted some things that started to make me uneasy. Tracks and discarded trash that made it obvious that the whole trail was being used by somebody else. Several somebodies, to be precise. I gripped my axe tighter and started moving forward more cautiously.
TA with Wits: 2 vs 9 and 7, 1 Misfortune, Lose Position (now Desperate) Increase Tension
Tiny rocks falling from above. Somebody was moving up there. I was definitely not alone anymore. Maybe a lookout? I passed a simple campsite where the trail got a bit wider, a campfire with still smouldering embers from breakfast and a simple lean-to made from a large blanket. Let's see who is going to run into the other first...
TA with Wits: 5 vs 3 and 2, 1 Advantage, Gain Position (Now Pressured) Mark Progress
A while later and the trail slopped back upwards again, towards the well-trod path and the place where possible enemy scout must be lurking, but for now, everything seemed safe. With the sun slowly starting to go down, I decided to hurry, so I could find a safe spot to camp away from him.
TA with Wits: 8 vs 6 and 4, 1 Advantage, Gain Position (Now Favoured) Mark Progress
With every step that I managed to move away from the scout and closer to the mine, I felt a little less uneasy. I'm good in a fight, but if you're running around alone in the wilderness, it's definitely better to avoid unnecessary combat altogether. Let the villagers handle him, I'll check what's going on with the mine first, although having somebody sitting between the village and the mine isn't a good sign, at all. Doesn't matter for now. I managed to actually find a small and empty cave, so freshly cooked food was on the table again, this time some gruel with the berries I managed to pick yesterday, and I still have an egg left for breakfast.
Thorkild, the Roving Mercenary from the Tempest Hills
TA with Wits: 8 vs 3 and 9, 1 Advantage, 1 Misfortune Mark progress, Face a Setback (98, Beguiling Spirit)
Setting off the next day, something gave me a gnawing feeling in the back of my stomach, and it didn't take long for me to know why. Spirits. I was passing by a large, ancient cairn - must be set for either a giant or a really important Ironlander from the past - and then I heard the voices. Promising power. Ancient weapons. Something I could definitely use, If I ever want to become an important figure in the Ironlands...
TA with Heart: 3 vs 3 and 4; Burn Momentum -> 6 vs 3 and 4, 2 Advantages Overcome a Setback, Gain +1 Momentum
The spirits continued to whisper in my head, and I already started moving toward the cairn, ready to use everything at my disposal to dig up whatever they were promising me. But when I saw the first ghostly hands reaching out of the ground, my mind finally snapped back to reality, and I hurried away from there as fast as I could. Luckily, the villagers had already warned me about all of this.
TA with Wits: 4 vs 10 and 6, 1 Misfortune Increase Tension -> Encounter a Peril
Suddenly I heard a voice shouting behind me 'I told you to stop! Where do you think you’re going, mate?' Shit. Thanks to the spirits, I completely missed somebody sneaking up on me from behind, and from the looks of him, I'm pretty sure this was the guy that was snooping around on top of the ridge while I passed him by. Dirty clothes, old, mistreated leather armour, and a simple spear in his hand. ' I'm going to the mine, why? You want to stop me?' 'Oh no, but good to know. Thanks.'
And he took off from me, running. At first, I looked at him like a disoriented newborn, but quickly got my senses together and set off after him. If I didn't stop him, who knew what would wait for me at the mine!
Initiate a Fight (Stop the Scout); Dangerous; Fight Environment: 62; Slippery Surface
TA with Edge: 7 vs 6 and 8, 2 Advantage, 1 Misfortune Mark Progress twice, Lose 1 Momentum
He was damn fast, and the slippery rocks from last night’s rain didn't make this any easier, luckily I got close enough to him to leverage my long-hafted axe, and I snared his leg using the axehead. He fell down hard and I ran in closer to try and finish him off.
TA with Iron: 8 vs 6 and 10, 2 Advantages, 1 Misfortune Mark Progress twice, Lose 1 Momentum
He rolled aside just in time, and the hit barely scratched his arm. Getting up from the ground he readies his spear while walking backwards, trying to gain distance again. I jump forward and try to hit him again.
TA with Iron: 9 vs 10 and 5, 2 Advantages, 1 Misfortune Mark Progress, Gain +1 Momentum, Mark an impact (Harmed)
A brutal hit, straight to the shoulder. The axe bit deep and his counterjab is too weak to pierce through my mail - it'll leave a deep blue mark, but I doubt the skin is broken underneath.
Objective Roll for the Fight: 10 vs 7 and 2, Minor Effort but Decisive Success, 2 Boons 2 Advantages: Mend a minor Impact (Harmed from two days ago), Gain +1 Momentum Quest Progress: Got rid of the Scout on the ridge
The scout falls down, and with another hit of my axe, I end his suffering. I quickly rifle through his pockets for something useful, but find nothing useful except for his flint and steel. The spear would be nice for hunting, but I'm carrying enough as it is, so I discard of him and his belongings by throwing him off of the ridge. No reason to attract the local wildlife or possible companions.
TA with Wits: 8 vs 6 and 10, 2 Advantages, 1 Misfortune Mark Progress Twice; Face a Setback
For a while, I manage to make very good progress, and the mountainside the village chieftain described to me was getting ever closer, soon I would be at the mine. But at the same time, a violent storm was approaching, and that wouldn't be the bit of rain and howling winds I endured so far, but a proper tempest. Sane people would try to take shelter, which would be a good idea for me as well. But if I take shelter, whoever is lurking at the mine would, too. Time to press on and hope for the best. If I arrive during the stormy weather, I might be able to take them by surprise.
TA with Iron, Tempt fate: 6 vs 4 and 6, 3 Advantages, 2 Misfortune, Lose position Overcome a Setback, Gain +2 Momentum, Mark an Impact twice (Stressed and Rationed)
Fighting through the storm wasn't easy. With every passing second, I got more and more afraid of being simply blown off the mountain ridge, especially after the wind tore open the latch on my backpack and a bunch of stuff flew out. No idea what it was, I closed the latch as fast as I could and secured it more strongly this time. I can tally up the losses once I find the time.
TA with Wits: 8 vs 5 and 9, 1 Advantage, 1 Misfortune Mark Progress, Lose 1 Momentum
At least I managed to get closer to my goal, even during the storm, but it was much slower than I was hoping for...
End of the Journey: 9 vs 3 and 3, 1 Advantage (Gain Momentum); Decisive Success and Demanding Effort (3 Boons), Create a Passage between Northern Mine and Eaglespire (Costs 3 Boons, mark 1 Legacy) Increase Quest Progress (Reached the Mine)
Arriving at the mine, the storm was still going, although not as strong as before. The mine itself was ringed by thorn bushes, but unsurprisingly, there was no moat or earthen wall. Digging up here on the rocky slopes is rotting work. Good for me, because it'd mean it would be easier to get into it. The entrance itself was a simple wooden door, and looking at it, it was obvious what was going on: Somebody had blockaded the door from the outside, using a large number of rocks. I couldn't see anybody else, but obviously there must be someone here. Probably not enough to actually fight the miners, which is why they're trying to starve them out. At least that's my guess. If I can get that door open and free the miners, I can avoid a fight against anyone else, or at least it would be much easier for me. Luckily, the storm might give me some cover. I hang my backpack on a branch, lean the axe against the small tree and get to work, only carrying my sword and shield with me.
Challenge: Open the Mine Door (Troublesome) TA with Shadow: 7 vs 4 and 1, 1 Advantage, Gain Position Mark Progress
Slowly, I creep closer, until I'm at the rockface, the rain and howling wind masking the low rustling of my mail, and I start moving toward the door and the rocks. I knock at the door to see if anybody reacts, and while waiting I try to make out who might be hiding in the small encampment surrounding the mine.
TA with Wits: 7 vs 3 and 7, 2 Advantages, 1 Misfortune Mark Progress, Gain +1 Momentum, Mark an Impact (Stressed)
It was hard to tell at first, but a number of tents had a light on inside, making it easy to see if there was somebody sitting there. Counting the lookout on top of the only wooden building that I noticed when lightning struck on a nearby mountaintop, there where at least four more enemies hiding. Probably another two or three in the wooden shack. But there was no answer from the inside, so it was time to remove the stones from the doorway and peek inside.
TA with Iron: 9 vs 3 and 4, 2 Advantages Mark Progress, Gain +1 Momentum
Thanks to the loud rumbling of thunder, it was easy to remove the rocks without being noticed. First, I threw one by one away from the door during each thunderclap, and then I got bolder and quickly destroyed the barricade by utilising a large branch as a lever.
Complete Challenge 9 vs 3 and 1, 2 Advantages, Minor Effort and Decisive Success (2 boons), Gain +2 Momentum Gain progres on Quest (Freeing the Mine workers)
Waiting for a bit if anybody heard the commotion, I open the door once I feel secure. Peering into the darkness, I see some shapes moving about, seems like at least some of the miners were waiting near the door to see if they got freed. I quickly relay to them that I'm here to help them and that the guards are distracted. Grabbing the large knives from their belts, shovels and pickaxes we slowly move out of the mine to overwhelm the brigands before they notice what is happening to them.
TA with Shadow: 2 vs 5 and 6 -> Burn Momentum; 9 vs 5 and 6, 2 Advantages Gain +2 Momentum
With most of the Brigands sleeping, and the Lookout watching only for enemies approaching from the outside, it was much too easy. Climbing up the wooden building, I hack my sword into the lookout’s neck, and with a stifled shout and a thud he falls down the side of the building. Before any of the other brigands can properly react to that, the baker’s dozen of emaciated, but extremely angry miners tear them to shreds like a pack of hungry wolves.
After spending the night at the mine, I pack up my things, time to get back to Eaglespire. One of the miners accompanies me, to check out the mountainside trail, and to report to the chief that the mine is back at work.
TA with Wits: 7 vs 1 and 8, 2 Advantages and 1 Misfortune Gain +2 Momentum, Mark an Impact (Rationed) Mark Progress on Quest (Mine is back at work)
Complete Quest: 10 vs 5 and 4, 3 Boons, 2 Legacy tracked
Getting back to the village was easy enough, the second time around. Arriving in Eaglespire, the chieftain welcomed me back and thanked me profusely for my work, after listening to my story and the information the miner provided. For now, I'll use the opportunity to rest up here in Eaglespire, and then we'll see what might present itself for me next. For now, I'll train with the local milita for a bit, might be useful in the future to know some of these people.
Pass Time: Recover (Clear minor impacts) No Downtime Project Explore an Interlude (Train with the local militia; TA with Iron: 9 vs 4 and 2, Gain 2 Advantages (2 Momentum) and +1 boon for a positive outcome) Gather Rewards: None Manage World Events: No timer, Test Your Legacy: 6 vs 2 and 10 -> Choose Trouble: Confrontation
After a few days of rest, while hunting out in the wilds with some local youths, we run afoul of a heavily armed and armoured rider. he introduces himself as a messenger of Markvard, a local bandit lord as I learn later. And he isn't happy about us clearing the mine again.
'Watch your back.' he tells us, and rides off.
[I really enjoyed my time with the playtest, but there's a few things I'm not quite sure about yet. If you want more detail, check out my blogpost about that over here: https://daydreamingmoose.bearblog.dev/thoughts-on-ironsworn-2e-alpha/
And again, if you're interested in trying it for yourself, you can get the playtest materials on the official Discord: https://discord.com/invite/8bRuZwK]