Actual Play – The Fires Burn DEEP! (1/28/2008)

GM: Sean Nittner
System: Burning Wheel

Wow, Wednesday’s Burning Wheel game rocked. Jordan was corrupted by Mannoroth, exchanging the pollution of another knight for his own. He terrified his betrothed and discovered Jamie, just as she was trying eviscerate him. This WILL continue to heat up and I’m looking forward to it.

Genn on the other hand came back expecting a triumphant praise but was met with Arthas’ disdain for abandoning his post. He then found veteran sergeant Leon Musgrave in captivity for slighting his name and spreading rumors of his descent. The two were locked in confrontation as Leon, protected by Uther of all people, could not be slain outright and held the secret that could bring down Genn’s fame and glory.

Captain Luke faced his most brutal encounter on the battle field ever. Not only were the ors using there black blood magic, but they also had a warrior filled with unending rage. His enchantments made him indestructible, while he savaged the human who were pitted against him. To add to that a demon was summoned, vile and surrounded by poisonous fumes, he destroyed all those in his presense. Armed with only mortal magics and human troops, Luke’s forces suffered horrible losses and the advantage he originally posses was turn against him. On a personal front however, he did succeed to completely ostracize himself from Uther, while driving a wedge even deeper between him and Arthas.

What rocked

Hell, what didn’t? I loved the Duel of Wits between Luke and Uther, they started pensive and end both going for kill.

The dynamic relationships of NPCs who shift sides and have motivations that affect and interact the PCs has been great. I’m really happy that the players have as much an agenda with the NPCs as they do with each other, it creates a very rich setting.

Jordan blew the hell out of an Ork ritual room. They have not more implements of torture… they have now way to summon forth another demon… except of course, through HIM!

Failed rolls that were still interesting, in fact more interesting that success. Cleanse the taint? Sure…but you get it instead!

The heroes finally got back together. Jordan had some success in stopping the ritual from proceeding. Genn returned with Dwarven reinforcements. Luke is quickly becoming the dominant force amongst the Alliance. Let’s see how they all get along now!

Paladin Death From Above… What do you do when five Armored Paladins leap down from a ledge, surrounded by a field of force preventing them from harm, whilst they swing giant Lucerne Hammers into your skull? You die, that’s what you do. You die a lot. Wow, that was uber!

What could have been improved

Genn didn’t get a lot of screen time; we need to give him some love next session.

Still looking up a lot of rules, which slowed things down. I NEED to get that GM screen so I have them handy. Should be arriving soon.