This will also be a good way to learn the Vaesen system. I have also started him off on an adventure using the Thursday's Child supplement for solo scenarios.
Character generation
Our character is going to be British and living in England in the 1820s.His name is Ramsey Pollock. He comes from a poor class background, and even as a youth had to earn a living for himself and his family. He has experienced long days of thankless toil that have left a mark on him, body and soul. He has been hardened as a labourer.
He has been arrested and sent to prison and has spent years in a cold, damp cell, but this has taught him he can survive anything. He is a Vagabond. As it is the 1820s, he is in danger of being transported to Australia.
Every day is a battle for survival and a struggle for food. Now released from gaol, Ramsey finds himself completely dependent on the generosity of others.
Ramsey Pollock, Vagabond, Age 25
Resources: 1; Talents: Hobo Tricks
Attributes: Physique 5, Precision 3, Logic 3, Empathy 4
Skills: Agility 2, Close Combat 2, Force 3, Vigilance 1
Equipment: Lockpicks, small bottle of perfume (reminds him of his mother)
The Adventure of the Cheddar Thief
Pollock is actually not sure what day of the week it is, and he cannot read or write. He is looking for some seasonal work if he can find it. He has been released from gaol in Bristol, and is keen to avoid being re-arrested and potentially transported to Australia. Such is his plight as the weather gets colder and the leaves begin to turn.
Ramsey has wandered into the market town of Cheddar, home of the famous cheese, where he has got a job doing some hedge cutting for the vicar, one Harold Worthington. This is worth a few shillings, but Ramsey is also in need of somewhere to sleep. Worthington tells him that a friend of his, a member of the local council of elders in Cheddar, is coming for tea, and might have need of his services.
The elder duly arrives and is introduced to Ramsey as none other than the mayor of Cheddar, Isaiah Stacklebury, a wizened man of advanced years. Over a cup of tea and some quite delicious scones, he explains his problem to Ramsey and the vicar. There have been a number of break ins and thefts in the vicinity, but despite the best efforts of the people of Cheddar, nobody has been able to capture the culprits. The most recent was a break-in at the local blacksmith's shop.
Stacklebury seems calm on the outside, but is talking about patrolling the streets at night himself, with his cudgel and his lantern. Although he is the mayor, he looks at least 70 years of age. Vicar Worthington tries to discourage him, and looks to Ramsey to see if he can assist.
As there is still some daylight left, Ramsey suggests that he and the mayor walk over to the blacksmith's shop. The mayor agrees (King of Hearts). The duo stroll over to meet with the local blacksmith, Arthur Beddowes. He is working at his forge; a brooding man of dark complexion, he still seems pleased to see Ramsey and the mayor. He likes the idea of bringing Ramsey in to help catch the thief. He allows them into his forge to have a look around. Investigation test: 3D - 3,5,5 is a fail. Ramsey decides to push it - 3, 4, 6. success!
With Stacklebury looking on with interest, Ramsey discovers a slimy substance on the floor of the forge, which gives off a bizarre smell. Ramsey decides to have a chat with Beddowes, partially hoping that he might secure a job, at least temporarily. Manipulation test: 4D - 3, 5, 5, 6.
Beddowes tells Ramsey that he has also been hearing complaints about livestock going missing or dying mysteriously in the vicinity and even further afield. "And it's not just the horses," he grumbles, "Cattle, sheep and even dogs have vanished into thin air. Like they were never there."
He says he was recently been shoeing some horses for some charcoal burners who live near woodland at the foot of the nearby Mendip Hills. They told him they had been in a fight to the death with a creature they blamed for taking one of their horses. This tale could, of course, be a little exaggerated, but it might be worth speaking with them.
Ramsey agrees and Stacklebury walks him back to the vicarage, where he is able to find a meal and a bed for the night. In the morning he will hike over to the charcoal burners' camp.
To be continued...
Very much with you re: random generation!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Vaesen had solo adventures. Interesting!