PWM: Sanguine Dust, Ch. 18
Argosy, The Furnace World
Sanguine Dust: Table of Contents
Begin a Session
Identify topics or situations to avoid and Set a Flag
Review log or notes from last session
Set the scene…take +1 momentum as you play
Notes: Current momentum = +6
Shen watched through the viewscreen as The Nomad Drifter approached the furnace planet, Azula.
Planet Oracle Tables
Atmosphere = 07: Thin/none
Observed from Space = 47: Massive super volcano
Observed from Space = 15: Glowing rivers of lava
Planetside feature = 24: Intricate volcanic rock formations
Life = 29: None
As the Drifter drew in towards the planet, Shen saw a massive supervolcano in the distance, spewing hot magma and ash into the air.
Closing in on the surface, he could see glowing rivers of lava below as well as intricate volcanic rock formations.
Turning away from the volcano, he saw the settlement, Argosy, in the distance.
Oracle Table
Settlement First Look = 24: Built within terrain
Argosy was impressive, built into the walls of a cliff overhanging a molten river of lava.
The Nomad alerted him to rising temperatures as the ship docked.
Leaving the Drifter, he found the queen waiting for him, with attendants in tow. She was motherly, with a long, flowing red dress.
"We thank you for your service, Ironsworn. This infection has been quite troubling but with your aid, it will be dealt with swiftly."
Fulfill Your Vow
When you reach the end of your quest (“Deliver Immir throughout the sector”), roll the challenge dice and compare to your progress.
Progress = 6 vs (1,2)
Strong hit - Your vow is fulfilled. Mark a reward on your quests legacy track.
“Of course,” Shen said.
“Walk with me,” the queen said and she began walking away.
He quickly followed, walking beside her, a few of her servants following in her wake.
Make a Connection
When you search out a new relationship…roll heart
1d6 + 1 (heart) = 4 vs (4,3)
Weak hit - You create a connection. Give them a role (“Queen”) and a rank (“Formidable”). For a weak hit, it comes with a cost or complication.
Notes: Let’s find out more about this queen…
Oracle Tables
Name: Esana Taylan
Disposition = 21: Cooperative
Goal: Maintain Order
Settlement Trouble: Hazardous Environment
Shen walked at her side.
"You probably noticed the extreme environment as you approached," she said, gliding across the floor, through a hallway.
The attendants followed behind.
"Yes," Shen said.
"Our community is ever precarious in this environment. It can be hazardous and make it difficult to maintain order, especially when others make false claims that the planet is getting worse."
"I could see how that could be an issue."
"This is why I've invested funds into many entertainment ventures within the settlement."
"To distract them?"
She gave him a look. "To give the citizens pleasure and ensure they aren't listening to baseless claims that the planet is falling apart. People worry Azula will shatter like Vigrid. But Azula is strong. It always has been."
"So what would you like me to do?"
Oracle Table
Action + Descriptor + Focus = “Journey” + “Sacred” + “Signal”
"You saw the volcano, on approach?”
Shen nodded.
“There is a station set up by the volcano, in an ancient sacred temple. We have scientists there studying the volcano and the planet to ensure, if there are any concerning changes, we know about them. Our signal with the station has recently been lost. This situation has occurred at the same time as particular rivals making those baseless claims I mentioned previously."
They arrived at what appeared to be an intricate office.
The queen waved her attendants away and allowed Shen in with her, alone.
"You think it was sabotage? Rivals making a move?"
"Yes. The timing is peculiar. If we fix the signal with the station, we can receive their reports and ensure that nothing is wrong. That is what I would like you to do."
"You mentioned a sacred temple?"
"We built the station within an abandoned temple. Azula is not just a planet, she is our God. She is our strength, our belief. We believe the temple was built by our ancestors."
"Very well. I assume you've gathered some information on these ancients from this planet? In return, I ask for access to any information you've gathered."
There might be information on the Precursors…
He felt Aleko stir within his mind.
She nodded. "I agree to those terms. Will you swear?"
Shen tapped the iron arm ring on his left bicep. "I vow to you I will restore the signal to your station."
Swear an Iron Vow
Vow: Restore the signal from the temple. Rank: Dangerous
1d6 + 1 (heart) + 1 (Connection) = 6 vs (4,2)
Strong hit - You are emboldened and it is clear what you must do next. Take +2 momentum
Notes: Current momentum = +8
"You can't approach with your ship, the station is too close to the volcano. I can provide you with a simple overland speeder."
Shen nodded. "That's fine, but I’ve been traveling awhile. I need to rest and resupply.”
Estana nodded. "I'll have one of my assistants take you to our finest accommodations. But we do need that signal back up soon."
Sojourn
When you spend time recovering within a community, roll heart
1d6 + 1 (heart) + 1 (connection) = 6 vs (8,9)
Miss - Choose one:
The community needs your help or makes a costly demand in exchange for safe harbor. Envision what they ask of you. If you do it, or swear an iron vow to see it done, resolve this move as a strong hit.
You find no relief and the situation worsens. Pay the Price
Notes: I didn’t really want to swear another vow, so I decided the “costly demand” was a hit to my supplies.
Sacrifice Resources(-3)
Notes: Current supply = +2
Strong Hit on Sojourn
Hearten: +3 spirit
Heal: +2 health
Notes: Current spirit = +4. Current Health = +5
Shen found himself giving away most of his supplies in exchange for services to support citizens who needed to rebuild due to a recent collapse, which the queen’s rivals were using as evidence the planet was failing, structurally.
Thankfully, due to his help, the community responded in kind. He felt well rested and healthy as he got ready for his overland trip.
Shen wore his space suit, considering the atmosphere was so thin. He took the landspeeder and headed across the planet of Azula.
Lightspeeder = Incidental Vehicle, Light, Integrity = +3
Undertake an Expedition
When you journey over hazardous terrain…give the expedition a name (“To the Sacred Temple”) and rank (“Troublesome”). If you…travel at speed, roll edge.
1d6 + 3 (edge) = 8 vs (4,1)
Strong hit - Reach a waypoint, mark progress.
Notes: Progress = 3/10.
Oracle Tables
Planet Feature = 64: Rolling clouds of superheated gas
Descriptor + Focus = 62 + 08: “Lost” “Starship”
Starship type = 47: Outbounder, remote survey or research
First look = 41: Leaking radiation
Shen made good time, the supervolcano huge in the distance and rolling red clouds to the north, but of more interest was an abandoned starship, partially sunken in red dirt, as if it'd been there for a long time.
He stopped to investigate. His suit alerted him that radiation levels were increasing as he got closer to the ship.
Explore a Waypoint
When you divert from an expedition to examine a notable location, roll wits.
1d6 + 2 (wits) = 4 vs (2,1)
Strong hit - Choose one:
Find an opportunity and take +2 momentum
Gain progress on your expedition
Notes: I choose progress. Current progress = 6/10. I also get +1 momentum from Explorer. Current momentum = +7
Shen had no trouble getting into the ship and found it'd been abandoned long ago. He did, however, find a digital map of the area, showing a route through rough terrain towards the station. He downloaded it and went on his way.
Undertake an Expedition
When you journey over hazardous terrain…If you…travel at speed, roll edge.
1d6 + 3 (edge) = 5 vs (3,6)
Weak hit - Reach a waypoint, mark progress. Choose one:
Make a Suffer(-2) move
Face a peril
Notes: Progress = 9/10. I Lose Momentum(-2). Current momentum = +6. I then roll to see what the waypoint is.
Oracle Table
Descriptor + Focus = “Automated” “Shelter”
Notes: I’m going to assume the automated shelter is the station that I can see in the distance.
Shen followed the route with ease, though at one point, the speeder's engine overheated and he had to stop for awhile to let it cool down. He could see the station in the distance.
you think their ancient records will hold information on symbiotes?
Anything's possible.
Aleko was silent for a time. Then-
...do you think i was imprisoned in that metal shell?
I don't know.
if i was imprisoned...does that mean i did terrible things?
Not everyone is imprisoned because they did something wrong. Let's keep moving.
Shen left it at that, getting back on the speeder and heading towards the temple.
Finish an Expedition
When your expedition comes to an end, roll the challenge dice and compare to your progress.
Progress = 9 vs (4,10)
Weak hit - You reach your destination but you face an unforeseen complication at the end of your expedition….Envision what you encounter.
The temple was dark as he approached, a large structure with the super volcano burning brilliantly behind it. It had towers jutting towards the sky and large stone steps leading to large stone doors. The whole thing appeared to have been made out of red stone blocks.
There was a shuttle parked here, and as Shen approached on the speeder, he saw the side door of the shuttle open and two figures step out in space suits, each carrying a rifle, though they didn't raise them.
Shen parked the speeder and got off. He started walking towards the steps to the temple entrance.
The two figures got in his way, brandishing their rifles.
"Who are you?" The one on the left spoke.
"Boss asked me to make sure everything's going according to plan, alright? Keep your guard up, we don't know who the Queen might send out here." Shen said and turned to keep going.
Compel
When you try to persuade someone…if you…lie or swindle, roll shadow
1d6 + 2 (shadow) = 4 vs (2,8)
Weak hit - They do what you want but their agreement comes with a demand or complication. Take +1 momentum.
Notes. Current momentum = +8.
"Alright, but you leave your guns on your rig." They sounded suspicious.
"Yeah, yeah," Shen said and stowed his handguns on the speeder. He walked up the steps to the temple.
The doors were more high-tech than the rest of the temple, an airlock, recently built within the last couple years.
He entered.
Within, it looked like a research station built within the temple.
In the corner were the scientists, sitting on the floor, hands tied.
Three more thugs stood within, hands on rifles looking like the ones outside.
"Who are you?" One of them, a woman wearing a black mask over the bottom half of her face, raised her gun.
Shen pressed a button the chest of his spacesuit, lowering the helmet. "I'm here for a sit-rep. Can't use the comms, they're listening, so I got sent. I'm in charge, now."
Compel
When you try to persuade someone…if you…lie or swindle, roll shadow
1d6 + 2 (shadow) = 7 vs (3,6)
Strong hit -They'll do what you want or agree to your conditions. Take +1 momentum.
Notes. Current momentum = +9.
The woman nodded, lowering her rifle. "As you can see, the station is under our control. Signal's been down for a few days now."
Shen walked over to the controls and viewscreens along one wall. "Alright, take your crew and head back to Argosy. We don't need all of you, I'm to take over the situation here."
The woman nodded and motioned to the others. They left, taking the two guards outside, entering their shuttle and leaving.
Shen went to the scientists and untied them.
They gave a confused look.
"I'm here from the queen. Can you restore the connection to the settlement?" Shen asked.
The scientists went to the controls and screens, looking them over. "They busted it up pretty good, it'd help if we had some spare materials to help fix it."
"I'll see what I got," Shen said, activating his helmet and heading back out to the speeder.
Check Your Gear
When you check to see if you have a specific helpful item or resource, roll supply.
1d6 + 2 (supply) = 6 vs (5,1)
Strong hit - You have it and are ready to act. Take +1 momentum.
Notes: Current momentum = +10
Shen brought some cabling and wiring back into the station.
The scientists got to work trying to fix what was broken and repair the signal.
Shen tried to help as best he could.
Face Danger
When you attempt something risky…if you act…with expertise, focus or observation, roll wits
1d6 + 2 (wits) = 3 vs (4,8)
Miss - You fail or a momentary success is undermined by a dire turn of events. Pay the Price
Burn Momentum
10 vs (4,8)
Strong hit - You are successful, take +1 momentum.
Notes: After burning, momentum is reset to +1. With the bonus, current momentum = +2.
Working together, the broken components are replaced or repaired.
"Let's see if it works..." One of the scientists turned the power on.
Fulfill Your Vow
When you reach the end of your quest, roll the challenge dice and compare to your progress
Progress = 8 vs (10,3)
There is more to be done, or you realize the truth of your quest. If you swear an iron vow to set things right, take your full legacy reward. Otherwise, make the reward one rank lower.
"It's working...we're re-establishing contact with Argosy."
An alarm went off. "The jig is up, that shuttle's coming back!" One of the scientists said, pointing at the map.
"I'll take care of it," Shen said, suiting back up. "I vow it."
Post-Chapter Notes
We’re nearing the end of Season One of Sanguine Dust. I’m thankful for everyone who’s joined along the way. While re-writing this campaign reminded me how great the system and setting of Starforged is, I’m looking forward to writing up something new and different.
I tried using Descriptor + Focus tables a bit more in these past couple chapters and it did make me appreciate them. They work really well to inspire the imagination and can be used in many different situations.
One more chapter and a debrief. Then some off-weeks. In January, I’ll begin my Thousand-Year-Old Vampire campaign.
Thanks for reading. Comment, share and subscribe if you feel so inclined.
Next Chapter → Chapter 19: The End?