I took a day off*, and now I'm ready to get started making my character for Ironsworn: Starforged.

^{*I still agonized over potential Paths for a bit.}

When I'm playing TTRPGs in groups I usually have an easy time making characters. But making a character for a solo game is so much more pressure! I'm basically flagging interests and setting the shape of this story all by myself! Ahh!

I'd better roll on the character inspiration table to calm me down.

Character Inspiration Roll: 70 - Prophet

OK yeah, this is the part where Starforged campaign prep can really start to feel like homework. I thought about skipping sector prep and jumping right into the first quest, but since Adne is a Navigator it would seem to be valuable to know where they will be navigating to. And I'm really trying to fully meet Starforged on its own terms, so... let's go!

Oh, this map was made with Stargazer, by the way! It's a really cool online character/campaign keeper for Ironsworn: Starforged.

Starting Region: Outlands

Scattered settlements surrounded by uncharted and perilous navigational paths.

All we need to do now is define what's going to send Adne and Buzzard into action. Let's use that idea about a corporate ship getting caught in a balefire (even though I ended up taking a Sidekick instead of a Grappler module). The ship's experimental black iron escape pod deployed successfully but is running low on life support.

Trip Ambly gave us the job, with promises that if we can deliver results he'll send a good word along to Selfra HQ. I think Selfra's legal research department is headed by a pioneer in the field of weaving contracts, so that would get Adne one step closer to their goal of finding out how to break NDA. Time to roll our first Move of One Move a Night!

Swear an Iron Vow: Strong Hit!

Action Score 9 (rolled 5 + 3 Heart + 1 for Connection) versus Challenge Dice 3 and 1.

Adne pokes their index finger at a blank spot in the local chart. "There," they say.

Buzzard tries to tug down the collar of her new EVA suit to look, then gives up and bends at the waist. "Keeps dropping out, but yeah. I guess that must be the point of origin."

"Mmhm. It's close to the edge. As long as we move at the right moment, getting to that pod will be like walking through an open door."

The balefire twists and lurches in space before them, scattering the sickly green rays of the nearby star.

Face Danger: Strong Hit!

Action Score 8 (rolled 6 + 2 Wits) versus Challenge Dice 1 and 3

Buzzard has been peering through a viewport on the starboard side for about 30 seconds. She finishes some internal math and shouts back toward the cockpit: "There's too much ship left to maneuver in with suit thrusters. We'll need to ride a tension line in then climb to the pod."

Adne's voice bounces hesitantly back: "Ride an attention line?"

"No, a tension --- nevermind, I'll find one," Buzzard shouts back. "This is a mistake. I'm making a mistake," she mutters.

Check Your Gear: Weak Hit!

Action Score 8 (Rolled 3 + 5 Supply) versus Challenge Dice 3 and 8

---

OK, the mess is starting gently on this mission. We get to take +1 Momentum up to a total of 6, representing the fact that Buzzard's able to find what she needs. But we also have to choose a consequence: losing 1 Supply or losing 2 Momentum. We're full on supplies right now and I want to keep building Momentum as the two move deeper into danger, so I'm gonna burn a point of supply.

Buzzard checks the air lock compartments for a tension line, then the EVA lockers next door. Nothing. The ships she's used to serving on --- industrial tugs, deep space scrappers --- always have at least a half dozen of the things squirreled away. Apparently executive ships pay other ships to launch their tension lines for them.

With increasing frustration, Buzzard rips the lone distress kit from its dock near the cabin. Among the chef-prepared rations and Down Home brand premium air tanks is a single, beautifully constructed Variable Tension Line Launcher.

"Ridiculous," Buzzard says as she hefts the launcher from its case and begins to arm it.

(By the way, I've put together a central archive of these posts for reference and safekeeping. You're welcome to read it too if you want an easy way to catch up!)