Hi folks - Just bought BoF the other day and I'm learning the rules and setting. I decided trying this out as Solo to help out my learning curve. Not sure how this will go. I'll be using the Book Gazeteer, tables and some random oracles. Suggestions and Ideas are welcome! Please post here.

Historical Context: With Casimir I's death in 1058, power transitioned to Bolesław II. As a literate retainer, our holy warrior was tasked to carry the news of the new ducal regime to outlying settlements and help ensure local lords pledged homage or recognized the new ruler.

In the year of our Lord 1058,
I, Slawomir of Chiechanow, a humble man-at-arms sworn in fealty to our noble lord, was granted the solemn honor of bearing tidings most sacred. It falls to me to proclaim the ascension of our new Duke, Bolesław the Second, who, through the will of the Heavenly Church and the Duchy's decree, now reigns following the untimely passing of Duke Casimir. May the blessings of the Son of Man, who graced our land with unity and prosperity, rest eternal upon his soul.

By the guiding hand of Providence, my path is set toward Drohiczyn, a place some ten miles to the southeast. To this perilous land of the Yotvingians—keepers of dark lore yet unilluminated by the Holy Light—I must carry forth the news of our Duke's enthronement. The parish, deeming it wise, has sent me alone, believing that a single messenger may soften the hearts of those wary of foreign intent. My charge is to seek out their leader, the Elder or Chief known as Netimantas, and to deliver to him the message of peace and fealty.

With the high sun as my companion, I plan to arrive at Drohiczyn by midday, trusting its watchful gaze to guide my steps and ward off ill omen. My journey shall commence at high morrow from the Grod of Chiechanow, with a camp to be made before dusk. Along my path, I shall follow the course of the River Bug, whose waters shall serve as my safeguard and sustenance. For near the White Wilderness, where shadows are said to linger and the unholy may yet roam, I tread with caution. Yet my faith in Him Who Sees All and Knows All emboldens me, for the righteous shall not falter, and all good shall be revealed to those who serve His will.

The Parish, in its divine wisdom, hath commanded me to observe the state and disposition of the heathen Yotvingians, that such knowledge may be of use to Holy Church. Their customs and needs, though shrouded in pagan ways, might yet yield a path to salvation or accord. By their blessing, I am empowered to hearken to their petitions and, where prudence allows, to extend offers of goodwill or modest trade, as befits a servant of Christ. Upon completing my charge in Drohiczyn, my path shall lead to the town of Brzesc, a journey of more than forty miles. There too must I bear tidings of the new Duke's ascension. I am tasked to consider joining or forming a company at Drohiczyn, that I may find strength and solace in numbers for the trials ahead.

Thus do I embark on this errand of both duty and faith, seeking to bring the light of our new Duke's rule to those still veiled in darkness. May the Almighty shield me, and may my journey glorify His name.

Character Sheet (randomly rolled, RAW)

Slawomir of Chiechanow
Holy warrior, 0
Law

Str 13 +1
Int 8 -1
Wis 11
Dex 13 +1
Con 9
Cha 11

HP 5
SV 16

Social Class: Grodnik, rich
Family: 10 siblings. 3 alive. 4th child.

Background skill, Social class skill: Brewer
Prior History: Pious (theology), literate
Language: Polish

Equipment:
Dagger, spear, chain hauberk (ac 16, -1 init, -2dex skills), shield, sword (1d8), bow(1d6), 25 arrows, cross, riding horse
70dn

April 22, 1058

Slawomir gathers the parish's horse, a humble but sturdy steed, and sets out on his journey. He leaves the Grod of Chiechanow behind, its wooden palisades soon fading into the morning mist. His mind turns to the task ahead.

Wilderness Survival Check DC 10 - Success with 16.

The well-worn path near the River Bug is easily found, its twists and turns as familiar as an old psalm. The afternoon is calm, with the sun casting a gentle warmth over the land. The air is crisp, touched with the faint chill of spring.
Slawomir's thoughts wander in the quiet. He reflects on the Parish's decision to send him alone. The task is vital—news of Duke Bolesław II's ascension must reach Drohiczyn swiftly. Yet doubt gnaws at him. Why no retinue? Why such solitude? He shakes his head, muttering a prayer for clarity.
As the sun dips low, he selects a sheltered grove to make camp. The night passes uneventfully.

Random Event Check: None.

April 23, 1058

The morning is cool and serene as Slawomir resumes his journey. The River Bug murmurs alongside him, a steadfast guide. As the day matures, an unusual sound catches his ear—a guttural, almost animalistic voice. He reins in his horse, scanning the woods.

Random Encounter Check: Crazy Hermit.

Peering through the trees, he spots an older man. The figure is hunched and unkempt, his face smeared with dirt. His piercing eyes meet Slawomir's, flaring with hostility.

Slawomir halts at a safe distance, assessing the situation. The man's movements are erratic, his mutterings incoherent. WIS Check - Success with 16.

Slawomir realizes the hermit is not dangerous but deeply unwell.
From his saddlebag, Slawomir retrieves his water pouch and a piece of cheese. He approaches slowly, extending the offering. The hermit eyes him warily but takes the food. Settling on a fallen pine tree, the man eats in silence.

Slawomir whispers, "Be well, traveler, for where two or three gather in His name, there He is with them." CAR Check - Success with 12.

The hermit's wild demeanor softens. His jerking movements still, and his eyes lose some of their feral intensity.

Reaction Check: Favorable.

"I am Slawomir of Chiechanow," the warrior says, bowing slightly. "I bring news of our Duchy. May I ask your name?"
"Wieclaw," the hermit murmurs, his voice distant but clear.

Slawomir notices a battered shield lying nearby, its surface worn and dirtied. Picking it up, he inspects the faint cross painted upon it. "Is this yours, Wieclaw?"
"Aye," the hermit replies, his tone tinged with a strange mix of pride and sorrow. "Me shield. Me friend."
Slawomir traces the fading cross with a gloved finger. "You have carried His cross. Will you carry it once more?"
Wieclaw says nothing, his focus returning to the remnants of cheese in his hand.

Reaction Check: Highly Favorable.

Appendix VII: Legend and Infamy - Slawomir's Charity: +11 points


High Morrow

By mid-morning, the Grod of Drohiczyn comes into view. Smoke rises from scattered huts nestled among the forest, their presence a sign of life and toil. Slawomir notes the sounds of raised voices ahead.

Random Events in Town: Rolled Religious Conflict.

The settlement is alive with tension. Men argue near the central hut, their voices sharp and accusatory. Slawomir pauses, glancing at Wieclaw.
"Have you ever been here before, Wieclaw?"

Reaction Check - Modified by -1 (Crazy Hermit): Result 5.

Wieclaw shakes his head slowly, his expression blank.

Slawomir takes a deep breath, dismounting. His hand lingers on the reins, his heart heavy with uncertainty. Closing his eyes for a moment, he whispers,
"Oh Father, thou art in Heaven, how shall I proceed?"

Slawomir ponders asking Wieclaw to infiltrate as a traveller but while lost in thought...

Unwanted Attention Rule: 40% of Being Detected
Detected.

The sound of rustling foliage froze them. Emerging from the shadows were eight Yotvingians, their rough hides and fur cloaks swaying with their movements. Weapons gleamed in the faint light.

Reaction Roll: 6 (8 Rolled - 2 Modifier)
The lead warrior, a stout man with a wide nose and fierce eyes, barked a guttural word. "Hail," Slawomir called, raising his hands slowly, palms out in a gesture of peace. "I seek Netimantas, the Brave. I bring news from Chiechanow."

Languages Skill Check: +1, DC 10 - Fail (7)
The Yotvingians stared blankly. One murmured to another, his tone skeptical.

Reaction Roll: 10! (12 Rolled - 2 Modifier)

The leader's stance softened as the murmurs among the group grew.

"Netimantas," Slawomir repeated, placing a hand on his chest. He mimed holding a letter and gesturing respectfully toward his saddle.

Skill Check: -1, Languages DC 10 - Success (12 -1)

Understanding flickered across their faces. The name "Netimantas" was repeated in their dialect, accompanied by phrases Slawomir could not fully grasp. However, one word stood out clearly—"speak with."

Slawomir nodded eagerly. "Yes! Netimantas!" he exclaimed, carefully retrieving the letter with its painted heraldry from his saddle pouch. He held it reverently, moving it to his heart before offering it outward.

The Yotvingian Settlement
Some of the warriors motioned for Slawomir to follow. He instructed Wieclaw to remain behind with the horse. As they approached the camp, the sight of beaten Yotvingians, some bruised and one bleeding profusely, met Slawomir's gaze.

1d10 Roll - 6 Yotvingians Present

The commotion seemed to stem from a brutal confrontation. Slawomir's gut tightened, but he remained silent, following his escorts to a larger hut beside a weathered wooden watchtower.
Inside, a tall, lean man with a thicker beard and piercing eyes awaited. His features were stern, his bearing exuding authority.

Reaction Roll: 7 (7 Rolled - 2 Modifier = 5, Negative Reaction)

"Speak," came the coarse voice of the figure.

Slawomir straightened. "Netimantas, the Brave, I bring news from Chiechanow. Duke Casimir has passed. In the throne now sits Duke Bolesław, the Second, blessed by the hand of Him who is Holy." He raised the letter, ensuring its heraldry was visible.

Netimantas Language Skill Check: -1, DC 10 - Fail (5 - 1)

The bearded man's eyes narrowed further. He gestured roughly to a barrel, where the letter was tossed.

Netimantas spoke.

Slawomir Language Skill Check: -1, DC 10 - Success (11 - 1)

The words came slowly to Slawomir's ears. "Did you bring your CROSS?"

Slawomir reached for the chain around his neck, revealing a simple wooden cross. He extended it toward Netimantas, whose eyes scrutinized the artifact.

Reaction Roll: 6 (9 Rolled - 3 Modifier)

Netimantas appeared puzzled. He handled the cross briefly before turning his attention to Slawomir. The coins jingling from his pouch caught the chieftain's ear. Slawomir offered them without hesitation, gesturing toward the gathered prisoners in the clearing.

Slawomir Language Skill Check: -1, DC 10 - Rolled 17!

Money and trade appear to pique Netimantas's interest. He grunts a command and strides outside, gesturing for Slawomir to follow. A Yotvingian steps forward, roughly snatching the coin pouch from Slawomir's hand. With a practiced eye, he begins to inspect its contents.
In the clearing, the gathered captives appear visibly terrified. Their faces are pale, their expressions frozen in a mix of fear and disbelief as they catch sight of Slawomir. The coin-inspecting Yotvingian shouts something to Netimantas, his tone urgent and commanding.

In the clearing, five prisoners knelt, beaten and bound, while a sixth lay bleeding. Among them were:
Krzysztof, the Blacksmith: A broad, burly man with graying hair and soot-streaked skin. His rough hands bore the calluses of his trade.
Bogdan, the Fletcher: A wiry man with keen eyes, his fingers dexterous and worn from crafting arrows.
Marta, the Tailor: A petite woman with a scar running down her cheek, her hands nimble despite their trembling.
Danuta, the Saddle Maker: A sturdy woman with short-cropped hair and a no-nonsense demeanor.
Helena, the Shoemaker: A frail woman with dark circles under her eyes, her movements sluggish from exhaustion.

Slawomir says; "Does any of you undestand what I'm saying? I wish to take you from here."

2d6 Roll under 5: I establish this is unlikely to be (27.78%). Rolled 4!

Krzysztof, the blacksmith, spoke haltingly in Polish. "You are our miracle."

The Bargain

Tense, Slawomir says, "Ask Netimantas if you can all stand and come with me."

The blacksmith translates Slawomir's request, and Netimantas responds curtly.

"For the coin you have given, he will only spare one," the blacksmith relays, his voice heavy with sorrow.

Slawomir takes a steadying breath. "Tell him that if he is willing to trade, Chiechanow will send whatever else he might need. For now, I can offer a fine horse in exchange for all of you."

Netimantas considered the offer. With a somber nod, he agreed but demanded the group leave immediately, abandoning their belongings. Slawomir complied, surrendering his horse to ensure the group's safe departure.
With urgency, Slawomir led the freed captives on foot back toward Chiechanow, his heart heavy with their plight but hopeful for their salvation.

Appendix VII: Legend and Infamy - Slawomir's Prudence: +8 points

"May Your Hand be our guide and Your Light our path, now and always. Amen." - Slawomir