There’s a really great Harnic medieval/fantasy scenario that I’ve been dying to play. I tried it once in a 1-on-1 format and it went pretty well. I’d like to try it in a PBMB format, and am testing for player interest. I know that there are always a few RPG games going, so I’ll only run this scenario if I can get a few committed players. 2-3 would be good, 6 is the maximum, and 4 would be ideal.
I expect a commitment of 30-120 minutes a day from the players, for a period of a couple of months. This game has a definite end point, and I’d like to wrap it up by Christmas at the latest. I have a vacation in late October so that will be a natural break point.
We’ll be using HarnMaster rules, but I will make them transparent to you. You won’t need to know your hit points and strength, for example, but you might know that you’re hardy but only moderately skilled with a sword. I’ll take care of the mechanics of the game. The only numbers you need to know are your age, the date, and how many coins you have left. This is mostly a cerebral/social scenario, and melees will be simple and rare.
The scenario: The Earl of Sarkum is delinquent in paying tribute to his son, the King. The local Sheriff normally takes care of this, but this is a special case. The king wants a group of elite couriers to collect.
Your mission: Travel from the city of Aleath in western Harn westward to the Earl’s castle and collect.
The ruse: You are not going to collect, but rather to deliver. You have to deliver a small but inportant package to the Earl. It is vitally important to King and Country. The Earl will reward you generously. These are dangerous times, and timely delivery of packages are vital to the survival of the crown and his subjects. Keep it safe, keep it dry, and keep it out of enemy hands.
The challenge: Road trip! The nature of the MacGuffin is unimportant. The challenge is to survive the trip in a season where travel is difficult. You’ll have to deal with keeping fed, keeping warm, and avoiding dangers like wolves, highwaymen, and starvation. The first part of the journey should be easy, as villages are common. The long trek along Ternu Heath, however, could really complicate things. Falling into a cold bog might really suck, especially where such things are covered in snow. And along the way you might meet some interesting NPCs…
The PCs: I’ll let you guys decide that, but think about the challenges ahead. Someone who knows the way would be invaluable. Surival skills are needed. A sword and a bow would help. And (this is a spoiler) someone familiar with local religions would be a huge boon. You will be funded for the journey, but only so much. Resoursefulness is a necessity.
One possibility is a knight-bachelor and his (or rarely, her) retinue. This nobleman would require at least a squire and a servant/cook. A yeoman or two might be needed, one of which should have decent archery skills. A knight would require at least one horse, probably two, and tents and provisions will require a couple of mules, and therefore a teamster.
So who wants to play?