Quinn of Axeford (Ironsworn Actual Play - Session 15)

Ash Adler
24 hours ago
13 min read

Ironsworn's art is great, even if I'm not a fan of its mechanics (yet)

While I don't normally do content warnings, due to the very sensitive nature of stuff that comes up in this session, be forewarned that it has (veiled) discussions of CSA and abusive relationships.

That out of the way, wow, a lot happened in this session. Sojourn seems to always give me a pile of wonderful roleplay, and wrapping up a couple of lingering vows also meant some key changes on the character sheet. This was definitely among my favorite sessions of this campaign so far.

Quinn described what had happened at the ravine gatehouse, leaving out details about the effigy. "I hadn’t thought much of it at the time, but if this Qamar knew something of what had happened with Keelan, that might explain why their ploy to rob me was similar enough to the concerns here to pass off as being related to it."

Makari’s expression darkened as he listened to the story. "So, this Qamar Deepwater has been avoiding justice, and Keelan Siora ended up paying the price in their stead? That can’t be allowed to stand. Quinn, can you lead a group back to that gatehouse?"

"I should be able to," Quinn said, "but remember, Overseer, this has to be about setting right all of Keelan’s grievances. If her spirit has been attacking your family, that might mean something happened to hers. Was she from Greatstead?"

Oracle 7 (Settlement Name): 22/23 = Highcairn

Ask The Oracle: "Is Gethin’s home near Highcairn?" (50/50) = 77 -> Yes

"No, the people here are better than banditry. She’d claimed to be from a settlement further into the Deep Wilds called Highcairn."

"I think it’s worth going to check on her family there," Quinn said. "Your people should know the land around here well enough to find the gatehouse from my description, if they don’t know where it is already. And, if anything has gone wrong in Highcairn, it might be best for the person addressing it to not be associated directly with you, Overseer, in case Keelan’s spirit might take that the wrong way."

"I could guide you there, Quinn," Gethin said. "My home is near Highcairn."

Makari glared at her. "So, you knew this Keelan and said nothing about her innocence?"

Gethin looked back at him and said, "I had no dealings with the settlement; I only know it’s near my home from the few times someone from Highcairn sought my aid; so I wouldn’t say that I knew anyone there. And even if I did, let’s not pretend you would’ve trusted my word on the matter."

Compel: 2 + 3 Heart = 5 vs 4/6 -> Weak Hit

Momentum: 7 + 1 = 8

Before Makari could reply, Quinn interjected, "Then it sounds like Gethin’s guidance would align well with her exile from here, Overseer. The two of us can go to Highcairn."

"Not alone," Makari said. "For all I know, this whole thing could still be an elaborate ruse for her to be released while I’m still haunted. You’ll have an escort to make sure you do what you need to and come back to finish matters with this spirit."

Vow: "Resolve Keelan’s haunting of Makari" – Formidable

Swear An Iron Vow: 2 + 3 Heart = 5 vs 3/5 -> Weak Hit

Burn Momentum: Strong Hit, Momentum Reset (2)

Momentum: 2 + 2 = 4

Fulfill Your Vow: "Get Tessa and Vigo…" 9 Progress vs 7/8 -> Strong Hit

EXP: 6 + 3 Formidable = 9 (3 unspent)

Advance: upgrade: Sighted 2

EXP: 8/9 spent

Quinn fished the talisman out of his tunic and clutched it in front of himself. "By this iron, I vow, I shall see that Keelan’s haunting of you is resolved, Overseer Makari. And if you wish to send an escort with us to Highcairn, I welcome the extra hands, as long as they understand that Gethin will have the lead for the journey and that I’ll take the lead once we’re there."

Makari looked over at the sword-bearer, who nodded. "That sounds reasonable."

"And your thoughts?" Quinn asked Gethin.

She locked eyes with him for a moment before saying, "I’m willing to chance trusting you to keep their blades out of my back. Once we reach Highcairn, though, you’re on your own. This spirit’s got nothing to do with me, and I’d rather keep it that way."

"That’s fair," Quinn said. "I’ll need a day to rest and prepare before we leave."

"I’ll need at least that much to arrange the escort, as well as the party going to the gatehouse," Makari said. "The witch stays here until you leave, though. I’ll not have her wandering around Greatstead freely while it’s still not certain if she can be trusted."

"I expected no less," Gethin said dryly.

"Would I be allowed to visit her tomorrow night?" Quinn asked. "My preparations shouldn’t take the whole day, and I would like to talk with her about my own problems, to see if she can help me with them afterwards."

Makari narrowed his eyes. "With supervision," he said, to which Quinn nodded. "Any more requests?"

"One more, Overseer," Quinn said. "Since it’s clear that the people camping outside the walls of Greatstead have nothing to do with your haunting, can you lift the lockdown against outsiders?"

"It was an outsider who started this whole thing."

"And someone else bearing the burden for Qamar’s crimes is why it got as bad as it has," Quinn countered. "We don’t know everything it would take to appease Keelan’s spirit, Overseer. It’s possible she’d blame you for any harm to more innocent people stemming from her death. Is that really a chance you want to take now?"

After some thought, Makari nodded. "Yes, you’re right that we have to remember the dead aren’t rational. I’ll give the order to lift the lockdown."

"Thank you, Overseer," Quinn said. "Then, by your leave, I should return to the camp for the night. It’s been a long day."

They left the prison and walked him to the Havenward entrance. The camp was still, so Quinn moved through it quietly to reunite with the effigy, breathing a sigh of relief to find it still waiting where he had left it. Finding himself rushed for shelter in the dark woods again, Quinn climbed into a tree to pass the night.

Ask The Oracle: "Does the night pass uneventfully?" (Likely) = 49 -> Yes

In the morning, Quinn was sitting outside of Tessa and Vigo’s tent when they emerged. "The overseer ended the lockdown," he said after exchanging greetings. "Your help in pointing me towards Ravenwick was instrumental. Thank you."

"Good to hear you held up your end of things," Vigo said. "Suppose this is where we part, then."

Quinn nodded. "I have to be on the road again soon, but I’d wanted to tell you the news myself."

After parting, Quinn circled back toward the Coastward entrance. Before approaching it, though, he retreated some distance into the forest, until the sight of the palisade wall disappeared behind a screen of tree trunks and mist. Hiding the effigy from the escort to Highcairn was going to be impossible, so he decided it would be best to undo his creation in advance. Its similarity to Morell made his throat tighten at the thought, but he tried to force those feelings aside with a reminder that this was just a construct of sticks and vines that he could make again.

Face Danger: 5 + 2 Wits = 7 vs 3/10 -> Weak Hit

Spirit: 3 – 1 = 2

Endure Stress: 4 + 3 Heart = 7 vs 3/10 -> Weak Hit

Quinn traced out the flows of energy around the effigy, recalling the script he had spoken to animate it in the first place. The bonds wavered and faded, and it fell apart, reduced to a pile of litter by the time he said the final word. He wiped away the tears welling in his eyes before picking up the cloak and making his way back into Greatstead.

Sojourn: 6 + 3 Heart = 9 vs 7/8 -> Strong Hit (choices: Recuperate, Provision) (deferred)

Gather Information: 2 + 2 Wits = 4 vs 1/4 -> Weak Hit

Momentum: 4 + 1 = 5

Oracle 1/2 (Action/Theme): 58/59 = Impress/Rumor

Oracle 11 (Character Goal): 69 = Protect the status quo

Oracle 12 (Character Descriptor): 71/45 = Stealthy/Bitter

Following the noise of activity, Quinn found a communal cooking space near the center of the settlement, with more people than he thought he had ever seen in one place. The sight was overwhelming, and it took him a few deep breaths to regain control over the flutter in his stomach. "Remember what you’re here for," he told himself to steel his nerves before venturing in to ask about if anyone knew a woman named Serene.

After a while of not finding any information, Quinn was surprised by a tap on his shoulder from behind. "Did I hear right, that you’re asking about Serene?" said an old woman garbed in a dull gray cloak, reminding Quinn of the mourning cloaks in Axeford.

"Yes, that’s right."

"What about?"

"I’ve a gift for her from her cousin Morell," Quinn said.

The woman shook her head. "The Serene I know doesn’t have any cousin Morell. Are you sure you have the right name?"

"Maybe she never mentioned him to you because he left many years ago. His father, Eleri, would’ve been her uncle, if that helps."

Face Danger: 3 + 3 Heart = 6 vs 1/10 -> Weak Hit

Momentum: 5 – 1 = 4

"Doesn’t sound familiar," the woman said, but Quinn noticed a crack in her expression at the mention of Eleri. "The person you’re looking for must’ve left long ago. Maybe you should, too."

"I will be leaving soon, which is why it’s important for me to take care of this while I can. Please, what is it that you know?"

"What I know," the woman echoed coldly, "is that Serene doesn’t need any reminders of that selfish deadbeat coward Eleri. He wanted to run away when he did? He has to bear the cost on those he left behind. He doesn’t get to act like he can make up for it with some gift now."

"I don’t know much about his departure from Greatstead, but I’m sorry if it was on bad terms," Quinn said softly. "He’s got no involvement with my purpose here, though. The gift is from Morell, and him alone."

"And it was so important to Morell that he couldn’t bring it himself?" the woman asked. "He waited all these years to send it with a stranger instead? Typical, for that side of the family."

Compel: 6 + 3 Heart = 9 vs 4/5 -> Strong Hit

Momentum: 4 + 1 = 5

Gather Information: 4 + 2 Wits + 1 = 7 vs 6/10 -> Weak Hit

Momentum: 5 + 1 = 6

"From what I understand, Morell left here as a child and without much choice in the matter," Quinn said. "He doesn’t even know the way back to Greatstead, but he still held onto this gift for all that time in hopes of finding a chance to give it to Serene, even if indirectly. The village he lives in now, Redmoor, had been being targeted by raiders, and it was only by chance that I traveled through and helped stop that threat. Seeing this through was important enough to Morell for him to make a point of mentioning it on the one night we had together when he learned I was coming to Greatstead, and I gave him my word that I would do it. So, please, tell me how to find Serene."

The woman let out a rattling huff. "Fine, traveler. You’d see her eventually if you keep following me to ask more, anyway, so I might as well tell you so that you’ll leave me alone. See that building with the red column in front?" she asked, pointing towards it. "That’s where you’ll find her." The woman’s voice warbled as she kept speaking through a sob, "That’s where you’ll see why Eleri’s cowardice was unforgivable."

Reach A Milestone: "Deliver the doll…" Progress: 0 + 3 = 3

"Thank you," Quinn said. "I’ll be circumspect. All I promised was to deliver the gift; if knowing where it came from would hurt Serene, that can stay a secret."

Not wanting to delay further, Quinn made his way to the building that the woman had indicated. It was a modest wood cabin, with a lightly-fenced garden beside it. Quinn slowed as he drew near, hoping to notice some sign of Serene and a hint of the history that the woman had felt warranted keeping him away.

Secure An Advantage: 1 + 2 Wits = 3 vs 9/10 -> Miss

Pay The Price: 21 = Your action has an unintended effect

Oracle 1/2 (Action/Theme): 78/45 = Arrive/Danger

There was a person in the garden tending to some potato plants with their back towards Quinn. Seeing no signs of anyone else at the dwelling, he watched them for a moment, but they were utterly engrossed in what they were doing. Finally, he called out, "Serene?"

The person snatched a gardening trowel as they jumped to their feet and turned to face Quinn. "Who are you?" they growled while sidling slowly towards the cabin.

Face Danger: 2 + 2 Shadow + 1 Trickster = 5 vs 3/9 -> Weak Hit

Momentum: 6 – 1 = 5

"Please, be at ease," Quinn said, raising his hands. "I mean no harm. I’m looking for a woman named Serene, who I was told can be found here."

The person stopped moving towards the cabin but kept their wary posture. "Why would a stranger be looking for Serene?"

"I was asked to bring a gift to her."

"And whoever sent it couldn’t come themselves?"

Quinn shook his head. "It was in another settlement, in the Ragged Coast. Someone who knew her from their time in Greatstead."

"Serene hasn’t known anyone outside of Greatstead in many years."

"Yes, this is from long ago, maybe close to two decades," Quinn said. "There was a raider siege on the town around that time, from what I’m told. It was coincidence that I was passing through their village on my way here, and they asked me to bring her this keepsake as a memory of a better time."

"What kind of sick joke is this? You expect me to believe you just happened to run into some old friend of my sister’s from before…everything, and they asked you to bring some old gift for her, and that’s all that’s going on here?"

Compel: 6 + 3 Heart = 9 vs 2/5 -> Strong Hit

Momentum: 5 + 1 = 6

Gather Information: 4 + 2 Wits + 1 = 7 vs 1/8 -> Weak Hit

Momentum: 6 + 1 = 7

Reach A Milestone: "Deliver the doll…" Progress: 3 + 3 = 6

Quinn shrugged and shook his head. "To be entirely honest, I don’t know anything about your family history. I was just given a trinket and a name to bring it to. Maybe you can explain it to me, so that I can understand if this whole thing was a joke on me, too?"

The person shot a look into the cabin before relaxing. Lowering their voice, they said, "Serene’s still sleeping. Come over the fence so we can talk quietly. I don’t want her to overhear."

Quinn vaulted the fence and followed the person, who introduced himself as Kynan, to sit in the shade of a vine trellis. "The time after the siege was difficult. Uncle Eleri was…I think he was afflicted by what had had to be done. It changed him, for the worse. He became very…possessive, especially towards the kids. Serene, Morell, Wena, me, we all…he…well, it’s not easy to talk about."

"You can skip anything I don’t need to know," Quinn said gently.

Kynan nodded appreciatively. "Is it enough to say that Eleri was maimed and driven off once people found out what he had done, but the experiences left their mark on Serene? On all of us, really, but her most of all."

"Yes," Quinn said, his face going pale. "I knew nothing about any of that. I’m so sorry."

Kynan shrugged. "It’s in the past now, for the most part. Unfortunately, Serene never fully recovered from what happened, so I take care of her now. Which is why I’m skeptical about a supposed gift from that time."

"What about Eleri’s immediate family?" Quinn asked. "Why did they go with him?"

"Don’t think he gave them many good choices," Kynan said.

Spirit: 2 – 2 = 0

Endure Stress: 2 + 3 Heart = 5 vs 3/8 -> Weak Hit

Ask The Oracle: "Was the abuse limited to Eleri?" (Likely) = 98 -> Yes

Quinn thought for a long moment before hesitantly asking, "Did…did Morell ever…?"

"As far as I know, he was just a victim," Kynan said.

Quinn let out a breath he had not been aware he was holding. "The gift, it’s from him," he said, pulling the doll out of his pack and showing it to Kynan.

Kynan had to blink a few times to clear his eyes. "This…Morell made these in a childish hope that they’d give us some protection. I…it’s my turn to apologize for misjudging you. I don’t know how Serene would react to seeing this, but it’s good to know Morell is still alive and thinking of us."

"Do you think it’s worth showing to Serene?" Quinn asked.

Kynan stood and extended a hand to help Quinn rise. "I think it’s difficult for me to say. If you don’t mind spending some time here, we can talk with her after she wakes, maybe try to touch on the subject to get an idea of if it’d be a good gamble to take."

Quinn agreed. He stayed to help with the gardening and then with preparing food from the fresh harvests. When Serene woke, Kynan introduced the two of them, eventually working towards saying that Quinn had met Morell.

"Oh, how is he?" Serene asked.

"Doing well," Quinn said, smiling softly. "He’s making the best of his life. When I mentioned that I was coming to this town, he thought of you."

"It’s a shame he didn’t come, too, then," Serene said. "I miss him."

The conversation continued for a while, positively, and when he had a chance, Kynan met Quinn’s gaze and gave a subtle nod towards his pack. "To tell you the truth, Serene, Morell asked me to do something for you," Quinn said, before retrieving the doll.

Face Danger: 3 + 3 Heart = 6 vs 2/5 -> Strong Hit

Momentum: 7 + 1 = 8

Reach A Milestone: "Deliver the doll…" Progress: 6 + 3 = 9

Fulfill Your Vow: "Deliver the doll…" 9 Progress vs 2/3 -> Strong Hit

EXP: 9 + 1 Troublesome = 10 (2 unspent)

Advance: upgrade: Bonded 2

EXP: 10/10 spent

Forge A Bond: 6 + 3 Heart = 9 vs 4/9 -> Weak Hit

Reroll challenge dice 9: 9 vs 4/8 -> Strong Hit (choice: spirit)

Spirit: 0 + 1 = 1

(Recover from earlier Strong Hit on Sojourn)

Health: 2 + 2 = 4

Supply: 3 + 2 = 5

Ask The Oracle: "Does the new Bond allow Quinn to benefit from another choice to his Sojourn?" (50/50) = 93 -> Yes

Consort: Focus: 3 + 3 Heart + 1 Bond + 1 Bonded = 8 vs 2/6 -> Strong Hit

Spirit: 1 + 4 = 5

Everything seemed to freeze when Serene saw the doll. In a blur of motion, she snatched it out of Quinn’s hand, pressed it to her chest, and hugged him tightly. "Thank you," she said, the words muffled from her face being buried against his neck. "I can’t tell you how much this means. Thank you."

Quinn and Kynan let her take all the time she needed.

Character Summary: Quinn of Axeford

Edge 1 / Heart 3 / Iron 1 / Shadow 2 / Wits 2

Health: +4 / 5

Spirit: +5 / 5

Supply: +5 / 5

Momentum: +8 (max +10, reset +2)

EXP: 0 available / 10 total

Bonds: 1.5 / 10 Progress

Vows:

Heal the scars left by the haunt that had attacked Valeri (Epic, 1 / 10 Progress)

Confront the figure from the ruins (Formidable, 3 / 10 Progress)