Welcome back table top advocates. Recently, Cubicle 7 Entertainment announced the digital availability and physical pre-order for their newest RPG Warhammer Age of Sigmar Soulbound. Today, we shall be presenting our test game with a crafted scenario and short story format to showcase a little of what the game has to offer. So, let’s roll some dice!
The Basic Game Mechanics
The game mechanics of Age of Sigmar Soulbound a fairly simple. Much like many tabletop RPGs, your success of acting upon the world is determined by the roll of a dice, or a check. In this case six sided dice. You character will have a number of skills and traits that dictate what they are good at. The better they are, the more dice they can roll with greater modifiers which means a greater chance of success. Your character might know a lot about lore, a fantastic spell caster, or be ridiculously strong. You will have strengths and weaknesses. But, ultimately, the character is yours and so is their fate.
For the intro adventure created for this preview game and short story, it will list the dice rolls for most actions. When playing Soulbound, the gamemaster might ask you to roll for an attack. For our character Mehga Lionheart, she has 6 dice at her disposal with 2 focus. This means, depending how her attack prowess compares to the enemies defense ability, she would roll 6 dice and add 2 to each. For example, against a lone Chainrasp spirit, Mehga’s melee is 2 steps higher than its defense. This means it will be easier to hit.
To succeed a check like this, your dice rolls must equal or exceed the Difficulty Number(DN). For instance a DN4:2 means you must equal or exceed 2 rolls of 4. For Mehga, she has 6 dice to hit this where 2 is added to every roll. Needless to say she will make all of them. When considering combat, you prowess is scaled from poor to extraordinary. The comparison between yours and theirs determines the difficulty of the dice roll. Mehga has a melee skill of Good which is 2 steps higher than the Chainrasp’s Poor defense. So, the check goes from a neutral 4:1 to hit to a 2:1 to hit. Much easier!
Depending on how many successful dice rolls you get also determines the amount of base damage you deal. For the Sigmarite Sword wielded by the Stormcast Mehga, it does 1 + the amount of success (1+s). If she rolled 4 success then it would result in 5 damage, 1 from the innate sword damage and 4 from the successful rolls.
There are a plethora of other wonderful rules that Soulbound implores, but we shall concentrate on the basic checks and thrilling combat for this short story. That and moving from combat zones(which you can do free once per turn), and initiative. Initiative simply allows you to structure which character takes their turn and when. Quicker, dexterous characters will usually go first with slower, tanky characters going later. For this session, the flow of the game and narrative interjects the initiative order at points. But, the rules found in the core book were followed at every other point. So, let’s delve in shall we?
The Wail of Embers
Created by the Pantheon of Order, the Soulbound are called upon to be guardians for the mortal realms. Upon surviving the binding process, a group of these heroes have their essence intertwined. Their powers serve to empower each other. Such an order thought to be lost to myth and legends, the gods are once more in need of Soulbound. To protect the realms and stem the tide of Chaos.
On the realm of fire, Aqshy, the newly founded settlement of Fikost has fallen silent. Located to the East of the Flamespires mountain range and the city of Tempest’s Eye, it sits on the edge where the hills meet more green terrain. No word in some days. As such a new assembly of Soulbound have been sent to investigate.
*
Rusty metal swords screech against shining azurite breast plate as fire hued chainrasp spirits howl in fury. The towering form of the Stormcast Eternal doesn’t falter claiming inch by precious inch. Wielding a shield bigger than most men and a sword that can cut one in two, she is 7’6” worth of sculpted muscle and metal.
“Raaargh!”
Her roar is deep and mighty like cannons before the impact. Blade swings disperse yet another foe. The twisted skeleton visage shrieks as it fades from existence. Eyes fix on the next wave of furious spirits.
Mid Turn 1:
Mehga. Sword Attack(6d6). 2 Focus. 1+s damage. DN2:1. 6 successes. 7 damage. Chainrasp defeated.
The streets once teeming with trade and life are now barren bar the tug of war between the just and the dead. Buildings crumbling, air grows colder, the settlement now wears a different face. And at the centre lies a whipping vortex of crimson energy. Ever growing; intensifying; sinking the central courtyard deeper and deeper whilst absorbing the souls once belonging here.
“They just keep coming!”
Yells the comparably small human excelsior priest. His fiery hair falling near his mossy green eyes as a hammer follows the claws of the trusty gryph-hound. Another spirit released screaming as it does. The change in pressure billows the amber and white robes almost pulling him towards the objective. But, the assault doesn’t ease. Such spirits now assail the group of Soulbound drawing blood and sapping their life force.
Chainrasp. Chill of the Grave. Hazard. 1 damage to all characters in zone.
Byron. Hammer Attack(3d6). 1 Focus. 1 damage per success. DN3:1. 3 success. 3 damage reduced to 2(Ethereal).
Gryph Hound. Beak and Claws Attack(3d6). 1+s damage. DN3:1. 2 successes. 3 damage reduce to 2(Ethereal). Chainrasp defeated.
Chainrasp. Malignant Weapon Attack vs Ahnika(3d6). 1+s damage. DN3:1. 2 successes. 3 damage reduce to 2(Light Armour).
Chainrasp(2). Malignant Weapon Attack vs Mehga(3d6). 1+s damage. DN6:1. 0 and 1 success. 2 damage. Heavy Armour reduces damage by 3.
“And so do your words, Byron!”
Tinged with annoyance, the Stormcast Knight retorts with a narrowing glance of her scarred left eye. Her stalwart presence and formidable armour holds off two offenders with ease.
“We need to get to that vortex! We’ll try and clear a path! Darach!”
The swift sound of the sea aelve’s voice fights against the whipping column of magic in front of them. Her tall Idoneth figure lifts into the air slightly as turquoise energy fills her hands matching the lightly armoured garb. A stark contract against the now glowing amethyst eyes. The resulting second maelstrom scoops up a handful spirits. Their forms dissipate as they collide within the aetheric storm.
Turn 2:
Ahnika. Vorpal Maelstrom. DN 5:4 channelling (6d6). 2 Focus. 5 successes. Chainrasps(4) Body(Might/Reflexes)(2d6). All fail. 1 damage for each affected. 4 damage. 4 Chainrasps defeated.
Low, creaking wood draws closer from behind the other Soulbound. A giant oaken bow draws towards the sky from a body of bark. The Sylvaneth hunter releases a volley ahead of the battle line, the bright yellow runes across its form flashing before it does. It’s head branches lose more and more luscious green leaves the closer to the chaos they go.
Darach. Hail of Doom. Body(Ballistics)(6d6). 2 Focus. 6 successes. Contested Body(Reflexes) DN 4:1. All fail. 2 Chainrasps take 6 damage halved to 3. 2 Chainrasp take 5 damage reduced to 3 (Ethereal).
Not much for unnecessary dialog, the one woman barricade charges forward battle cry contesting the wails of the storm ahead. Priest Byron with his companion follows and readies for the next phase by making purchase to the nuts and seeds in snack bag to his side. A sigh and shake of the head is given by the magic wielding aelf behind him. Although not seen, he can assume that it is a common reaction to his battle with focus.
Another heavy volley scatters essence of a handful more spirits. Blade swings that audibly split the air chases cackling arcane bolts dispatching the remainder. Approaching the edge of the sunken courtyard, the group take a moment to process what is in front of them.
Turn 3:
Darach. Hail of Doom. Body(Ballistics)(6d6). 2 Focus. 4 successes. Contested Body(Reflexes) DN 4:1. All fail. 2 Chainrasps take 4 damage halved to 2. 2 Chainrasp take 3 damage reduced to 2 (Ethereal). 4 Chainrasp defeated.
Ahnika. Arcane Bolt. DN4:1. Channeling(6d6). 2 Focus. 1+s damage. 6 successes. 7 damage. Chainrasp defeated.
Mehga. Sword Attack(6d6). 2 Focus. 1+s damage. DN2:1. 6 successes. 7 damage. Chainrasp defeated.
“Ahnika?”
The shaved side of the Stormcast’s head turns towards the Idoneth spellcaster. Azure lightning tattoos almost seeking greater sparks of insight. But, it is the Sylvaneth Hunter that provides first. The living aspect of nature over doubles the size of the human priest providing shade from the beaming sun above.
“There.”
Deep and low direction flows from Darach’s body but with no mouth to connect it to. It resembles the powerful creaking of timber carried by a rustling breeze. Erie if you didn’t know it’s origin. Branches point towards a spirit at the centre of the maelstrom. A Chainrasp Dreadwarden, claiming the lost and damned.
Turns Paused:
Darach. Check. Awareness(4d6). DN4:1. Success.
Ahnika inspects the eye of the storm and scours her knowledge base for answers. She returns the look to Mehga after but a moment.
“Ember Stone. A fragment. It’s empowering the Dreadwarden.”
Ahnika. Check Arcana(5d5). 1 Focus. DN5:1. Success
A tighter grip wraps around the Hallowed Knight’s sword as she turns back the sunken courtyard. More spirits emanating from the centre. Her words affirmative and commanding.
“Not for much longer.”
Heavy plate boots pound the tarnished ground towards a downward ramp on the opposite side. It is here the spiralling descent begins. A decent to greet more servants of death.
Hands try to make purchase in the snack bag once more only to find it missing. Attention diverting from the task at hand wondering whether it came loose. Disappointing grunts follow. Deep solitary words emanate from Darach.
“Gluttony. Unnecessary.”
Agile vines pull the bag close the body of the Sylvaneth. The bark creating a safe cage for the goods. Tort bow strings release once more softening up the encroaching tide of crimson death. Frustrated curses and qualms escape from the priest as Ahnika follows up the rear.
Whistles of arrow fire, crackles of arcane bolts, and shrills of blades cutting through the air make dents in the spirits formation. And too the encompassing sound of the ember fueled winds. But, it becomes all too evident that this is where the real fight begins. Spectral energy coalesces once more clawing at the strike force upon engaging the Chainrasps horde. The drive of battle masked its effects thus far. But, it is now more noticeable as more life force is drained away from the heroes.
Turn 4:
Chainrasp. Chill of the Grave. All characters in zone take 1 damage.
Darach. Hail of Doom. Body(Ballistics)(6d6). 2 Focus. 4 successes. Contested Body(Reflexes) DN 4:1. All fail. 1 Chainrasps take 4 damage halved to 2. 3 Chainrasp take 5 damage reduced to 3 (Ethereal).
Ahnika. Arcane Bolt. DN4:1. Channeling(6d6). 2 Focus. 1+s damage. 4 successes. 5 damage. Chainrasp defeated.
Mehga. Sword Attack. DN2:1. 6d6. 2 Focus. 1+s damage. 6 successes. 7 damage. Chainrasp defeated.
Gryph-Hound. Beak and Claws. DN3:1. 3d6. 1+s damage. 2 successes. 3 damage reduced to 2(Ethereal). Chainrasp defeated.
Byron. Hammer Attack(3d6). 1 Focus. 1 damage per success. DN3:1. 2 success. 2 damage reduced to 1(Ethereal). Chainrasp defeated.
“We need to end this quickly!”
Mehga commands as life force slowly drains from each of them. Death is calling them as the spirits collect together. Like screaming guides to their doom forcing their hand with blade and mace. But, the battle line bolsters forward dispatching foes with the collection of their powers. The arcane, the holy, and the mighty all form the spearhead for victory.
Turn 5:
Chill of the Grave. All characters in zone take 1 damage.
Darach. Hail of Doom. Body(Ballistics)(6d6). 2 Focus. 6 successes. Contested Body(Reflexes) DN 4:1. All fail. 4 Chainrasp take 5 damage reduced to 3 (Ethereal).
Ahnika. Arcane Bolt. DN4:1. Channeling(6d6). 2 Focus. 1+s damage. 5 successes. 6 damage. Chainrasp defeated.
Mehga. Sword Attack. DN2:1. 6d6. 2 Focus. 1+s damage. 6 successes. 7 damage. Chainrasp defeated.
Gryph-Hound. Beak and Claws. DN3:1. 3d6. 1+s damage. 3 successes.4 damage reduced to 2(Ethereal). Chainrasp Defeated.
Byron. Hammer Attack(3d6). 1 Focus. 1 damage per success. DN3:1. 2 success. 2 damage reduced to 1(Ethereal). Chainrasp defeated.
However, due to the energies charging the air and subsequently shredding the courtyard, the ground becomes more and more unstable. The heavy form of the Stormcast stumbles for a second as the earth crumbles slightly underfoot. A glance back to the others is met with concern.
Mehga. Uses 1 Mettle. Runs to next zone.
Mehga. Check Body(Athletics/Reflex)(4d6). DN5:1. 1 success.
“We can’t stop.”
Ahnika’s words realigns the resolve enough for the group to resume the offensive. Not but a few seconds later Byron’s footing fails as a portion of the shelf they are traversing cascades down. He yells out unable to grasp stable ground before aelven hands clasps his arm. Both the priest and tidecaster scramble to return to the pathway. Fingers and heels dig into dirt as the two slip slowly. This is until the ground from underneath them gives way.
Turn 6:
Gryph-Hound. Check Body(Athletics/Reflex)(2d6). DN5:1. 1 success.
Ahnika. Check Body(Athletics/Reflex)(1d6). DN5:1. Fail. Stunned. Fall to last zone.
Byron. Check Body(Athletics/Reflex)(2d6). DN5:1. Fail. Stunned. Fall to last zone.
“No!”
The Hallowed Knight watches helplessly as her companions fall amidst the broken earth to the epicentre of energy below. Their screams piercing like guilt in her chest as she is not able help them. Guilt turns to anger. Anger turns to martial fury. Advancing further her shield turns blows; sword punishes; battle cry booms. Closer she pushes to end this madness hound at her side.
Chainrasp. Chill of the Grave. 1 damage to all characters in zone.
Chainrasp(2). Malignant Weapon Attack vs Mehga(3d6). 1+s damage. DN6:1. Miss.
Mehga. Sword Attack. DN2:1. 6d6. 2 Focus. 1+s damage. 6 successes. 7 damage. Chainrasp defeated.
Mehga. Uses 1 Mettle(Extra Attack). Sword Attack. DN2:1. 6d6. 2 Focus. 1+s damage. 6 successes. 7 damage. Chainrasp defeated.
Gryph-Hound. Move with Mehga.
Twenty, thirty, forty feet until they crash onto solid floor. A gut wrenching *snap* is followed by the painful wails of Ahnika. The awkward descent results in a twisted and broken left tibia. The buckling bone breaches skin. Dirt and rubble pelt the two and partially burying them in the process. Groans and expulsion of grit from their lungs accompanies attempts to regain orientation within the world. First to their hands, then to their knees.
Ahnika. Fall check. Body(Reflex/Athletics)(2d6). DN4:4. 1 damage per failure. 0 successes. 4 damage. Severe wound.
Byron. Fall check. Body(Reflex/Athletics)(2d6). DN4:4. 1 damage per failure. 2 successes. 2 damage.
With vision realigning for the duo, the danger of where they are becomes apparent. Not thirty feet from them hovers the Dreadwarden. Crackling with fiery energy flowing through the skeletal mouth and it’s wispy being. The solid metal faceplate glows red hot as candles from atop it’s staff calls more Chainrasps to the frey. Ahnika winces both at her ravaged leg and at the situation before wearily addressing a visibly battered Byron.
“We cant fight like this. Call upon Sigmar’s light. I’ll cover you.”
Breathing is heavy. The fall knocked as many breaths as there were feet fallen from them both. But, through sheer force of will, drawing every last bit of strength, they call upon the powers they are gifted with. A glance to the right fills the aelf with anguish, however. The arrows no longer fall. From atop of the firing position, Sylvaneth greatsword meets an ever increasing presence of wrathful spirits. With each spectral assault whittling the hunters defences bit by bit.
Turn 7:
Chainrasp. Chill of the Grave. 1 damage to all characters in zone.
Darach. Greatsword(5d6). 2+s damage. DN2:1. 5 successes. 7 damage reduce to 4(Ethereal). Chainrasp falls.
Darach. Uses 1 Mettle(Extra Attack) Greatsword(5d6). 2+s damage. DN2:1. 3 successes. 5 damage reduce to 3(Ethereal).
Chainrasp. Malignant Weapon(3d6. 1+s. DN5:1. 1 success. 2 damage reduced to 0 by Darach’s 2 armour.
Despite this, amethyst eyes glow brighter as tidal magic gathers around them. The crackle of ice whips around the area forming a protective barrier. Such power causes a trickle of blood to flow from her nose. Hands shaking reaching in front, she closes her eyes with hopes to strengthen her concentration. Her entire body burns as she reaches out to hold the arcane wall, voice calling out in agony.
Ahnika. Arcane Barrier. DN5:1. Channeling(6d6). 2 Focus. 4 successes. 4 rounds.
As the defenses form, shining rays burst out from Byrons holy symbol held above him. He calls out asking for the warming rays of Sigmar. For once, his voice is comparable to the vigour exerted by Mehga. The dome glows in a kaleidoscope of energy. An union between the sea and the sky. Wounds start close, bruises ease, and life returns to their being previously stolen from the vacuum of death.
Byron. Healing Spirit. DN5:1. Devotion(6d6). 1 Focus. 3 successes. Uses 1 Mettle to heal additional toughness to his Soul(4). 7 healing to all allies in zone..
The gathering Chainrasp procession lead by the Dreadwarden shifts attention to their domed prey. Each flex with scarlet rage before pounding into the frozen shield. Chipping away with rusted blades and bludgeoning armaments. The only thing penetrating the barrier are the shrieks seeking to consume life.
Chainrasp. Chill of the Grave. 1 damage to all characters in zone.
Chainrasp(5). Check to break through Arcane Barrier. DN5:4. All fail.
Ice flakes away shard by shard under the onslaught of the aspects of wrath. The ember stone still locked within the one calling the shots. But, the shrills of the restless are met by an almighty roar. Charging from the rear, the fierce face of justice slams her sigmarite blade through the head and core of the warden of dread. It writhes and seethes with crackling energy vying to enact vengeance. The rest of the horde turn to Mehga just as the gryph hound unleashes beak and claw.
Mehga. Sword Attack. DN2:1. 6d6. 2 Focus. 1+s damage. 4 successes. 5 damage.
Gryph Hound. Beak and Claw. 3D6. 1+s damage. DN5:1. 1 success. 2 damage reduced to 1 by Chainrasp being Ethereal.
“Strike now!”
Demands the warrior. In that moment the blues and yellows from within the dome change to more golden hues and violets. Brighter and brighter they become before erupting in a scattering of ice and energy. There floating at the centre is the Idoneth tidecaster directing a watery whirlwind of magical current. And beside her, the excelsior priest with shining holy symbol in hand enacting divine judgement.
Turn 8:
Ahnika. Held action until Mehga arrives. Pressure of the Deep. 1 Mettle(Double Channeling Skill Dice). Channeling(8d6). 2 Focus. 1 damage per success. DN5:4. 6 successes. 6 damage. Dreadwarden defeated.
Byron. Held action until Mehga arrives. Light of Sigmar. Costs 1 Mettle. DN5:1. Devotion(6d6). 1 Focus. 4 success. 4 damage to all enemies. Remaining Chainrasps defeated.
The form of the warden is ripped from Mehda’s grasp as an oceanic prison forms around it. Pressures of the deep cause the bones and metal to crack and buckle causing it to howl. From beside her, the searing rays of Sigmar scorch the beings that snatched this settlement. One by one the, fiery shades are snuffed out. Then, at last, so is the Dreadwarden. It’s form struggles to cling to this realm, imploding within itself with several crunches and pops. A powerful shockwave is released accompanied by a deafening scream hurling the heroes into the sides of the chasm.
The Soulbound at ground zero slowly regain focus. Ahnika yells in pain, once the shock wears off, as her leg receives another battering. They all look to where the chainrasp leader once floated. In its place, a sliver of ember stone. Pulsing. Radiating. Hovering. Gaze is quickly shifts to the fire position where Darach supported the assault. It’s greatsword embedded in the tarnish ground. Looking down with glowing citrus coloured eyes, gashes and broken branches visible, it rests on one knee. A nod is given.
I hope you have enjoyed this brief look into the world of Warhammer Age of Sigmar Soulbound and this narrative preview game. As mentioned before, the digital resources are now available to purchase and the physical version is available for pre-order via the official Cubicle 7 website. If you haven’t done so already, please check out our overview article on the games resources and release. Also, tell us what you think of this brief looking into the game and the short story. Do you want to see more adventures and short stories? Let us know in the comment section below. Until next time, smile and game!
