Post Two: Vows that Forge
Legends
Intro
Assets give us the shape, but vows give us the weight. In Ironsworn,
vows are progress tracks—but in Aranor, they’re more than that. They’re
testimony. They’re the stories characters carry, the promises that shape the
world.
Each archetype I shared last time—Duelist, Champion, Hunter, Warden,
Ritualist—grows not just through ability, but through the vows they swear and
fulfill. Here’s how those vows scale, from personal to world-shaping, and how
they make a character feel mechanically legendary in play.
Legendary Duelist
Minor Vow: Best a rival in single combat before the gates of Castle Perilous.
Dangerous Vow: Defeat the champion of Ravenhold to prove your
mastery.
Epic Vow: Become known across the Copper March as the greatest
swordsman alive.
Duelists build legend through decisive victories. Each vow fulfilled adds
weight to their name—and their rolls.
Oathbound Champion
Minor Vow: Protect Tarnstead from raiders along the Copper River.
Dangerous Vow: Defend Ravenhold’s liege against assassination.
Epic Vow: Uphold the honor of your order across all Aranor.
Champions grow through service and sacrifice. Their vows are shields, and
their legend is forged in defense.
Beast-Hunter
Minor Vow: Track and slay the wolf haunting Dunhill’s outskirts.
Dangerous Vow: Hunt the serpent of Chill Bones.
Epic Vow: Rid the Copper March of its greatest predator, a beast of
legend.
Hunters earn their myth one quarry at a time. Their vows are hunts, and
each fulfilled promise sharpens their edge.
Warden of the Wild
Minor Vow: Restore balance to a blighted grove near the Copper River.
Dangerous Vow: Call the storm to drive invaders from the March.
Epic Vow: Bind yourself to the land, becoming its eternal guardian.
Wardens grow through communion and elemental resonance. Their vows deepen
their bond with Aranor’s living soul.
Ritualist of the Veil
Minor Vow: Perform a forbidden rite to reveal hidden truths in Ravenhold.
Dangerous Vow: Seal a spirit haunting Castle Perilous.
Epic Vow: Master the Veil, commanding powers feared across Aranor.
Ritualists walk the edge of power and consequence. Their vows are
thresholds—and crossing them changes everything.
Closing
Legend in Aranor isn’t granted—it’s forged. Assets give the shape, vows give
the weight. Together, they ensure that when you play a Duelist, Champion,
Hunter, Warden, or Ritualist, your legend grows both narratively and
mechanically.
If you adapt these archetypes for your own world, I’d love to hear how
they evolve. And if you play in Aranor—may your vows be true, and your legend
echo.
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