It's time to begin my second (and final) week of choosing Truths for a solo Ironsworn: Starforged game! Rolling for one a night is letting me stew on each of these truths without feeling like I'm getting too mired in the details. It feels like a little treat to look forward to each night instead of a big homework assignment to slog through (in my experience, doing all 14 all in one go can feel like a lot).
I think this extended approach could work at least as well in a group setting. Scheduling, like, 14 half-hour sessions 14 nights in a row would be next to impossible for many groups, but it would be very play-by-post friendly; you pick a set time each day to roll the next Truth on your Discord server or whatever, then it serves as a focal point for discussion and ideation until the next one drops.
Speaking of discussion, let's roll on the table!
Communication and Data Roll: 71
"In settled domains, a network of data hubs called the Weave allow near-instantaneous communication and data-sharing between ships and outposts."
I'm tired tonight. But I just won't be able to sleep until I know what Medicine is like in the Forge.
Medicine Roll: 61
"To help offset a scarcity of medical supplies and knowledge, the resourceful technicians we call riggers create basic organ and limb replacements."
Had a good session of Girl By Moonlight with my group tonight so I'm gonna try to motor on through this Truth. I'm a little nervous to see if things keep meshing so well!
Artificial Intelligence Roll: 32
"We no longer have access to advanced computer systems. Instead, we must rely on the seers we call Adepts."
This is something I haven't thought about much so far, since I've been picturing conflict between members of the Covenant as backbiting and boardroom dealings. But more open warfare could totally work too. Let's see!
War Roll: 51
"Professional soldiers defend or expand the holdings of those who are able to pay. The rest of us are on our own."
Yep, this seems like the most natural option. Even if the Covenant corporations were deep in the Milky Way's military-industrial complex, it doesn't feel true that they fought wars themselves.
But the corporations are very good at arming people and throwing money around; thus the rise of the mercenary guilds. I imagine many of these guilds' assignments are deniable ops framed as acts of terrorism or ransom-taking, which means only the largest groups carry any legitimate name recognition. But get a suit talking (and sign your non-disclosure agreement) and they may rattle off dozens of low-profile "freelancer" groups they've worked with.
I think NDAs may come up a lot, by the way. Are these contracts powerful just because the corporations own your future and could blackball you for the slightest indiscretion? Or do the chaotic energies of the Forge give a contract --- a vow --- binding power all its own?
yes, I am caught up on Friends at the Table: Palisade, why do you ask
And if the latter option, why would something chaotic want to enforce rules? Maybe it doesn't want to at all...
We only have three Truths left to uncover! Tomorrow, we'll decide what other Lifeforms exist here.