Iron-Norm: Session 1, A Dead Man Walks Into a Bar

ADVISORY NOTICE: Iron-Norm contains adult themes and adult language, as well as violent content.

At times, Norman Riggs saw his life through somebody else’s eyes. When these visions occurred, it was as if someone nearby was watching as things happened to him. Norm often found himself unable to move when this happened. Right now, this watcher could see the blow from an angry loan shark coming. Norm couldn’t react.

Endure Harm: -2 health.
Roll 1d6 +health (4) = 9 versus 10 / 4, Weak Hit. Press on.

The chair struck him over the back of the head, causing him to spill his mug all over the table and knocking Norm out of his own seat. Looking up, he recognized the man. Nikolai, the loan shark. Had Norm forgot that he owed him money? Probably.

“Now look at what you’ve done, Niko,” Norm said while looking up from the floor, noting Nikolai’s balled fists and furious eyes, “You’ve made me spill my ale.”

“Fuck your ale; where’s my money?” Nikolai spat out.

“Why don’t you come down here and get it?” Norm grinned as Nikolai came down again, clearly intent on knocking Norman’s face in.

Enter the Fray versus Dangerous Foe: 2 progress per harm; inflicts 2 harm.
Ambushed: Roll +wits. 1d6 + 2 = 3 versus 4 / 2, Weak Hit.
On a weak hit, choose one: Bolster your position: Take +2 momentum or Prepare to act: Take initiative.
Take initiative.

Before Niko could react, Norm kicked his own legs, turning himself to the side, hoping to use Niko’s forward momentum against him.

Secure the Advantage w/ Brawler: When you Secure an Advantage +iron by engaging in close-quarters brawling (such as punching, tripping, or grappling), add +1. If you score a hit, you may also inflict 1 harm.

Roll +iron(3) +1. 1d6+4= 5 versus 4 / 4, Strong Hit with Match!

Oracle Theme table result: Greed

Norman’s leg thrust threw Niko up and onto the top of the next table over, where a high-stakes card game had been taking place. Coins scattered everywhere, and cries of annoyance and anger came from the gamblers. 

Norm, still laying on his back, pivoted his body around to face that direction. Niko rolled off the table, disoriented yet still determined to collect.

“That’s gonna cost you double!” Niko shouted, pointing down at Norm as he advanced once again.

Norm pulled one leg in close to his chest and sprung it loose, a piston bound for Niko’s ankle.

Strike. When you have initiative and attack in close quarters, roll +iron

1d6+3=6 versus 1 / 5, Strong Hit. Inflict +1 harm. You retain initiative.

Norm didn’t want to break Niko’s shins, at least not yet. The kick landed with a sharp crack, the pain clearly felt by Niko as he stopped advancing and hopped up and down as if trying to take the weight off of his leg.

“Are you sure you’ve got the right man?” Norm asked

Niko responded, “Casey owes me money. He has none. I beat the shit out of him, and now I’m here to collect what he owes from you, now get up off the floor and fight me.”

“Nah, I don’t think so. The world spins less down here. Why don’t you join me?”

Norm shrimped his body, the spilled ale soaking into his blouse, propelling himself further away from Niko, who was growing visibly frustrated in his attempts to get at Norm.

Norm once again hoped to take advantage of Niko’s haughty advance, this time attempting to sweep Niko’s legs out from under him.

Strike +iron = 9 versus 10 / 8, Weak Hit. On a weak hit, inflict your harm and lose initiative.

But Niko was ready for the kick this time, as he sidestepped Norm’s sweep and instead took up Norm’s offer to join him. Instead, Norm rolled out of the way as Niko dropped an elbow to the ground, narrowly missing Norm.

Norm’s vision blurred for a moment, and he saw himself as if through the eyes of another once more. He saw Niko maneuvering atop him through this view, straddling Norm and preparing to hammer down on Norm’s face.

Clash. When your foe has initiative and you fight with them in close quarters, roll +iron.

Roll 1d6+3= 5 versus 7 / 3, Weak Hit. On a weak hit, inflict your harm, but then Pay the Price. Your foe has initiative.

Pay the Price. 1d100= 71. “It is stressful.”

Norm darted his head to the left, narrowly avoiding Niko’s fist as it drove into the ground. He had lost his advantage now, with the heavyset man threatening to smother him if he didn’t knock Norm out first. It was time to end this.

End the Fight. When you make a move to take decisive action, and score a strong hit, you may resolve the outcome of this fight. If you do, roll the challenge dice and compare to your progress. Momentum is ignored on this roll.

Progress Track: 10 versus 7 / 9, Strong Hit. On a strong hit, this foe is no longer in the fight. They are killed, out of action, flee, or surrender as appropriate to the situation and your intent (Ask the Oracle if unsure).

Ask the Oracle: Will Norman panic and accidentally kill Niko?
Likelihood 50/50: Yes

Norman found his hand on the ale tankard he had dropped when Niko had assaulted him. Clutching the handle, he brought it up in a panic where it connected with Niko’s face. There was a nasty thud heard throughout the tavern.

Through the eyes of someone else, Norm watched as Niko slumped over, laying atop him motionless as blood oozed from a gash in the side of Niko’s head.