Dungeon Age | Roleplaying Game
Reavers and Rogues [ play report, part one ]
Reavers and Rogues is a solo rpg system developed by Joseph R. Lewis of the Dungeon Age adventures. Outside of Luke Gearing and Evey Lockhart, JRL is my favourite writer in the field.
This report was written live as I played it at my kitchen table in the rain.
Chargen
I play Shani, from a family of merchants who was mentored by a priest named Briar. Shani is suffering from a fatal illness, having read a missive from the snow witch Shaleena. She seeks thrills to distract her from the illness and is known for her skill with a bow.
- Shani: +1 might, +2 guile, +1 luck; 5 wounds
Scene One─You Hear a Rumour
Downing shots of jotun brandy, known for its wormwood infusion and that any given drink could contain way more than she could handle, Shani overhears a group of youths talking about their studies: a few days from town, within a remote Dark Tower, there lies the fabled white book of healing hands. A worthy prize indeed!
She opts for decisiveness being the better part of valour and walks right out [roll + might] and takes a hefty punch from the barman Tashi for not settling her bill.
- Shani: +1 might, +2 guile, +1 luck; 4 wounds; 1 progress
Scene Two — Prepare for the Journey
Late the next morning, nursing both black eye and loose bowels, Shani stops by the market before leaving town. First she shops for food [roll + luck] and finds some soothing herbs. Talking with the apothecary and her caravan, Shani sees if she can recruit an ally [roll + guile]. People are skeptical but she’s able to hire a local guide.
- Shani: +1 might, +2 guile, +1 luck; +1 food; 4 wounds; 2 progress
- Jadyn: +1 ally (a gambler)
Scene Three — Cross the Outskirts
Shani and Jaydn set off from the market by way of an ancient and crumbling aqueduct where their conversation attracts the attention of a rotting gray ghoul [4]. The thing doesn’t look as hungry as usual, so Shani opens with parley [roll + guile]. Unfortunately, her flaccid words enrage the beast and she must do battle!
In the first exchange, Shani hits a devastating blow and manages to force further damage and range with her rapid archery [2 hits, no wounds]. Next, it’s but a simple strike and while her arrows do little harm, the ghoul belches out the ghost of its recent meal [1 hit, no wounds]. Into the fray again with another devastating attack from both the spirit and her bowstring [2 hits, no wounds] ─ the ghoul is defeated.
The creature looks up at Shani and a smile splits its doglike face. She offers a hand, and the ghoul gets up and takes it. “Sorry. I’ve taken work for idiots before and I refuse to again.”
Shani spots a bone shirt lying nearby. “This yours?” she asks the ghoul, who shakes its head.
- Shani: +1 might, +2 guile, +1 luck; +1 food; 4 wounds; 3 progress
- Jaydn: +1 ally
- the ghoul: +1 ally
- bone shirt: +1 luck (once)
Shani splits a basic meal with the group before leaving the city itself [roll + food]. It’s satisfying [restoring her lost wound].
