MEDIEVAL ROLE PLAY WITH HOT BARA MUSCLED MUSKY MEN

THE IRON THEW CHRONICLES: A TABLETOP ROLE-PLAYING GAME OF MASCULINE MIGHT CREDITS & INTRODUCTION WELCOME, ADVENTURER, TO A WORLD WHERE WEAKNESS IS A MYTH AND STEEL BENDS TO THE WILL OF MUSCLE. THIS IS THE REALM OF VALDERON, A LAND FORGED NOT BY DELICATE HANDS, BUT BY THE SWEAT OF BROAD BACKS AND THE CLENCH OF IRON FISTS. THE IRON THEW CHRONICLES IS A TABLETOP RPG DESIGNED TO CELEBRATE A SPECIFIC, UNASHAMED AESTHETIC: HYPER-MASCULINITY, BULGING BICEPS, AND THE BONDS OF BROTHERHOOD FORGED IN THE CRUCIBLE OF BATTLE AND ALE. EVERY CHARACTER IN THIS WORLD, FROM THE LOWLIEST POTION STIRRER TO THE HIGH KING UPON THE GRANITE THRONE, IS MALE AND BUILT LIKE A FORTRESS OF FLESH AND SINEW. EVEN THE WIZARDS LOOK LIKE THEY COULD DEADLIFT AN OX. THIS GAME UTILIZES A MODIFIED D20 "POWER CHECK" SYSTEM. SUCCESS IS NOT JUST ABOUT SKILL; IT IS ABOUT THE SHEER PHYSICAL CONVICTION AND INTENSITY YOU BRING TO THE ACTION. WITHIN THESE PAGES, YOU WILL FIND RULES FOR COMBAT THAT FAVORS GRAPPLING AND FEATS OF STRENGTH, MAGIC THAT RELIES ON SOMATIC GESTURES SO VIGOROUS THEY CREATE WIND, AND A SOCIETY STRUCTURED ENTIRELY AROUND THE GLYPH-CARVED HIERARCHIES OF MUSCULAR ARISTOCRACY. PREPARE TO FLEX YOUR DICE. PREPARE TO ROAR YOUR INTENTIONS. WELCOME TO VALDERON.

PART I: THE FOUNDATION OF FLEX – CORE RULES & MECHANICS THE GAME IS DRIVEN BY A SIMPLE YET DEMANDING MANTRA: "PROVE YOUR MIGHT." WHENEVER A CHARACTER ATTEMPTS AN ACTION WITH A CHANCE OF DRAMATIC FAILURE OR EPIC SUCCESS, THE GAME MASTER (HEREAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE FOREMAN) CALLS FOR A POWER CHECK. THE CORE STATISTICS (THE FIVE PILLARS OF MANLINESS) ALL CHARACTERS ARE DEFINED BY FIVE CORE ATTRIBUTES. FORGET AGILITY OR INTELLIGENCE AS YOU KNOW THEM; HERE, EVERYTHING IS AN EXPRESSION OF PHYSICAL FORM. NOTE THAT THE RANGE IS 1-20, BUT NO SELF-RESPECTING CITIZEN OF VALDERON POSSESSES ANY SCORE BELOW 8 IN ANY CATEGORY.

1. MIGHT: RAW, UNFILTERED PHYSICAL STRENGTH. THIS GOVERNS LIFTING PORTICULLI, BENDING BARS, AND HITTING THINGS SO HARD THEY REMEMBER IT IN THE AFTERLIFE.
2. FORTITUDE: THE DENSITY OF MUSCLE AND BONE. THIS IS YOUR HIT POINTS, YOUR RESISTANCE TO POISON (ALCOHOL AND OTHERWISE), AND YOUR ABILITY TO STAND NAKED IN A BLIZZARD.
3. PRESENCE: THE AURA OF ONE'S PHYSIQUE. THIS IS CHARISMA, INTIMIDATION, AND LEADERSHIP. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BE UNNOTICED WITH A 60-INCH CHEST. THIS STAT GOVERNS BARGAINING, RALLYING TROOPS, AND SEDUCTION (WHICH IS PURELY ABOUT DISPLAYING VASCULARITY).
4. VIGOR: ATHLETIC EXPLOSIVENESS. THIS GOVERNS INITIATIVE, THE SPEED OF A CHARGE, AND THE ABILITY TO LEAP A CHASM WHILE WEARING FULL PLATE ARMOR.
5. INSIGHT: MENTAL FORTITUDE HONED BY PHYSICAL DISCIPLINE. THIS IS NOT "BOOK SMARTS." THIS IS THE ABILITY TO READ AN OPPONENT'S STANCE, PERCEIVE THE WEAK POINT IN A STONE WALL, OR UNDERSTAND THE ALCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF RARE HERBS THROUGH INTENSE VISUAL AND OLFACTORY FOCUS. THE D20 POWER CHECK ROLL A D20 + RELEVANT ATTRIBUTE MODIFIER + ANY PROFICIENCY BONUS (USUALLY +2 TO +6 BASED ON CLASS LEVEL). YOU ARE TRYING TO BEAT A DIFFICULTY CLASS (DC) SET BY THE FOREMAN. · DC 10: EASY (BENDING A HORSESHOE) · DC 15: MODERATE (BREAKING A WOODEN DOOR WITH YOUR CHEST) · DC 20: HARD (SUPLEXING A GRIFFIN) · DC 25: HEROIC (HOLDING UP A COLLAPSING MINESHAFT LONG ENOUGH FOR YOUR BROTHERS TO ESCAPE) · DC 30+: LEGENDARY (CRUSHING A DIAMOND IN YOUR FIST PURELY THROUGH GRIP PRESSURE) THE ADRENALINE SYSTEM IN THIS WORLD, EXERTION IS POWER. PLAYERS POSSESS A POOL OF ADRENALINE POINTS EQUAL TO 3 + HALF THEIR LEVEL (ROUNDED UP). · FLEX: SPEND 1 ADRENALINE POINT TO ROLL A D20 CHECK WITH ADVANTAGE (ROLL TWICE, TAKE HIGHER). THIS REPRESENTS A SURGE OF BICEPS-FOCUSED DETERMINATION. · ROAR: SPEND 1 ADRENALINE POINT TO ADD +1D8 TO ANY DAMAGE ROLL. · THE FINAL SET: WHEN REDUCED TO 0 HIT POINTS, YOU MAY SPEND ALL REMAINING ADRENALINE POINTS TO INSTEAD DROP TO 1 HP AND IMMEDIATELY TAKE AN EXTRA TURN. YOU CANNOT BE KILLED BY A BLOW WHILE YOU HAVE ADRENALINE REMAINING UNLESS IT IS A DECAPITATING STRIKE (THE FOREMAN'S DISCRETION). REST AND RECOVERY (THE BRO-CODE OF RECUPERATION) · QUICK BREATHER: A SHORT REST IS 1 HOUR. THIS INVOLVES SHARING A FLASK OF HIGH-PROTEIN BROTH, COMPARING LATS, AND PATCHING WOUNDS WITH THICK TWINE. YOU MAY ROLL YOUR CLASS HIT DIE + FORTITUDE MOD TO HEAL. · FULL PUMP: A LONG REST IS 8 HOURS OF GRUNTING, SWEATY SLEEP ON FURS. YOU WAKE UP WITH FULL HIT POINTS AND REGAIN ALL ADRENALINE POINTS.

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PART II: THE MEN OF VALDERON – CLASSES & ARCHETYPES IN VALDERON, YOUR CLASS IS NOT JUST A JOB; IT IS A PHYSICAL DISCIPLINE. WIZARDS DO NOT FRAILLY WAVE WANDS; THEY EXECUTE PERFECT CALISTHENIC FORMS TO CHANNEL THE ARCANE. CHOOSE YOUR PATH OF SWOLE.

1. THE IRON KNIGHT (THE VANGUARD) HIT DIE: D12 PER LEVEL. CORE STAT: MIGHT & FORTITUDE. THE KNIGHT IS THE WALL OF MUSCLE UPON WHICH THE HORDES BREAK. HE DOES NOT DODGE; HE INTERCEPTS. HIS ARMOR IS NOT WORN; IT IS FILLED. · ABILITY: GRAVITATIONAL PULL (LEVEL 1): AS A BONUS ACTION, YOU FLEX YOUR ENTIRE BODY WITH SUCH INTENSITY THAT ENEMIES WITHIN 10 FEET MUST MAKE A PRESENCE SAVE (DC 8 + MIGHT + PROF) OR BE UNABLE TO TARGET ANYONE BUT YOU FOR 1 ROUND. · ABILITY: MANIFEST DESTINY (LEVEL 6): WHEN YOU USE THE "ATTACK" ACTION, YOU MAY FORGO DAMAGE TO ATTEMPT A GRAPPLE. IF SUCCESSFUL, YOU MAY IMMEDIATELY USE YOUR TARGET AS AN IMPROVISED WEAPON AGAINST ANOTHER FOE (DAMAGE BASED ON THE TARGET'S WEIGHT CLASS).
2. THE ARCANE SCULPTOR (THE MUSCLE WIZARD) HIT DIE: D6 PER LEVEL. (THEY ARE STILL JACKED, JUST NOT AS DENSE AS A KNIGHT). CORE STAT: INSIGHT & PRESENCE. THEY DO NOT STUDY SPELLBOOKS; THEY STUDY THE ANATOMY OF THE UNIVERSE. THEIR SPELLS ARE CALLED EXERTIONS. TO CAST "FIREBALL," THEY DO NOT WHISPER WORDS; THEY EXECUTE A FRONT DOUBLE BICEPS POSE AND ROAR THE NAME OF THE FLAME. · ABILITY: SOMATIC MASTERY (LEVEL 1): YOU DO NOT USE ARCANE FOCI. YOUR BODY IS THE FOCUS. WHENEVER YOU CAST AN "EXERTION" THAT REQUIRES VERBAL COMPONENTS, YOU MAY CHOOSE TO YELL IT AT MAX VOLUME. IF YOU DO, THE SPELL'S RANGE OR AREA OF EFFECT INCREASES BY 25% (MINIMUM 5 FEET). · ABILITY: MUSCLE MEMORY (LEVEL 3): YOU CAN BURN HIT DICE (LIKE SPENDING HP) TO REGAIN SPELL SLOTS. 1 HIT DIE = 1 LEVEL 1 SLOT. THIS REPRESENTS YOU PUSHING YOUR BODY PAST ITS ARCANE LIMITS, OFTEN RESULTING IN NOSEBLEEDS AND SPONTANEOUS FLEXING.
3. THE WARDEN OF THE GROVE (THE DRUIDIC BEAST) HIT DIE: D10 PER LEVEL. CORE STAT: FORTITUDE & VIGOR. THESE ARE THE MALE NATURE PRIESTS. THEY DO NOT TALK TO FLOWERS; THEY COMMAND THE MIGHT OF THE WILD THROUGH RAW, TERRITORIAL DOMINANCE. A BEAR DOES NOT BEFRIEND THE WARDEN; THE BEAR RECOGNIZES A SUPERIOR SPECIMEN. · ABILITY: WILDSHAPE (BRO-FORM): INSTEAD OF TURNING INTO A WEAK SQUIRREL, YOU TURN INTO A SWOLE VERSION OF THE ANIMAL. A WOLF WITH THE TRAPS OF A HYENA. A BEAR WITH AN EIGHT-PACK. YOU USE YOUR MENTAL STATS, BUT THE BEAST'S PHYSICAL STATS. · ABILITY: THUNDERING HERD (LEVEL 5): ONCE PER LONG REST, YOU CAN SUMMON A STAMPEDE OF SPECTRAL, HIGHLY-VASCULAR STAGS THAT TRAMPLE A 60-FT LINE. DAMAGE IS 6D8 BLUDGEONING, AND ALL CAUGHT IN THE PATH ARE KNOCKED PRONE UNLESS THEY PASS A VIGOR SAVE.
4. THE ALCHEMICAL BREWMASTER (THE POTION MAKER) HIT DIE: D8 PER LEVEL. CORE STAT: INSIGHT & MIGHT (FOR CRUSHING INGREDIENTS). THIS IS NO MEASLY APOTHECARY HUNCHED OVER A BUNSEN BURNER. THE BREWMASTER USES A VAT AND STIRS WITH A BOAT OAR. HIS POTIONS ARE THICK SLURRIES OF PROTEIN, ESSENCE OF TROLL MARROW, AND FORBIDDEN SPICES. · ABILITY: THE SLAM PREP (LEVEL 1): YOU CREATE POTIONS IN BULK CALLED PRE-WORKOUT MIXES. INSTEAD OF DINKY VIALS, YOU HAVE A LEATHERN JACK. DRINKING ONE GRANTS TEMPORARY HIT POINTS EQUAL TO YOUR LEVEL + INSIGHT MOD. SIDE EFFECTS MAY INCLUDE SPONTANEOUS YELLING AND VEIN PROTRUSION. · ABILITY: AROMATIC AURA (LEVEL 5): THE SCENT OF YOUR BREWING (MUSK, OAK, AND SULFUR) IS SO POTENT IT ACTS AS AN AURA. ENEMIES WITHIN 15 FEET HAVE DISADVANTAGE ON SAVING THROWS AGAINST BEING FRIGHTENED. ALLIES IN THE SAME AURA GAIN ADVANTAGE ON SAVES AGAINST POISON AND DISEASE (THEY ARE TOO HARDY TO GET SICK).
5. THE PIT-FORGED (THE ORC/BRUTE FIGHTER) HIT DIE: D12 PER LEVEL. CORE STAT: MIGHT & MIGHT. THIS CLASS IS SPECIFICALLY FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO PLAY THE BIGGEST, MEANEST, MOST UNSTOPPABLE FORCE IN THE ROOM. RACES LIKE ORCS AND MINOTAURS EXCEL HERE. THEY DO NOT PARRY; THEY LET THE BLADE HIT THEM, THEN THEY RIP THE WIELDER'S ARM OFF. · ABILITY: RECKLESS ABANDON (LEVEL 1): YOU MAY CHOOSE TO GAIN ADVANTAGE ON ALL ATTACK ROLLS UNTIL THE START OF YOUR NEXT TURN. IN EXCHANGE, ALL ATTACK ROLLS AGAINST YOU HAVE ADVANTAGE. THIS IS NOT A DRAWBACK; IT IS AN INVITATION TO GET HIT HARDER SO YOU CAN GET ANGRY. · ABILITY: STONE MUSCLE (LEVEL 7): YOUR SKIN IS SO THICK AND YOUR MUSCLES SO DENSE THAT YOU HAVE RESISTANCE TO ALL NON-MAGICAL BLUDGEONING, PIERCING, AND SLASHING DAMAGE. HOWEVER, YOU SINK IN WATER INSTANTLY AND CANNOT SWIM WITHOUT MAGICAL ASSISTANCE OR A STRONG TAIL CURRENT.

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PART III: THE BROTHERHOOD OF BEEF – RACES OF VALDERON ALL RACES ARE MALE. REPRODUCTION IN VALDERON IS A MYSTICAL PROCESS INVOLVING THE "POOLS OF VIGOR," DEEP CRYSTAL SPRINGS WHERE THE ESSENCE OF FALLEN HEROES CONDENSES INTO NEW LIFE, ALWAYS MALE, ALWAYS PREDISPOSED TOWARD HYPERTROPHY. THIS IS SIMPLY HOW THE WORLD WORKS.

1. THE SONS OF ADAMANT (HUMANS) PHYSIQUE: AVERAGE HEIGHT 6'4". MINIMUM BICEP CIRCUMFERENCE: 18 INCHES (CALLED A "NOBLEMAN'S INCH"). HUMANS ARE THE BENCHMARK. THEY ARE ADAPTABLE, DRIVEN, AND POSSESS AN UNCANNY ABILITY TO SWEAT PROFUSELY. TRAITS: · VERSATILE GENETICS: GAIN +1 TO TWO DIFFERENT ATTRIBUTES OF YOUR CHOICE. · HUMAN SPIRIT: ONCE PER LONG REST, WHEN YOU FAIL A SAVING THROW, YOU CAN CHOOSE TO SUCCEED INSTEAD, BUT YOU MUST DESCRIBE THE SHEER WILLPOWER AND VEIN-POPPING EFFORT INVOLVED.
2. THE BRONZE-HIDE (ORCS) PHYSIQUE: AVERAGE HEIGHT 7'2". SKIN TONES RANGE FROM FOREST GREEN TO VOLCANIC RED. THEIR JAWS ARE SO SQUARE THEY COULD BE USED AS CARPENTER'S LEVELS. TUSKS ARE SEEN AS SIGNS OF VIRILITY AND ARE OFTEN POLISHED OR ADORNED WITH GOLD CAPS. TRAITS: · RELENTLESS ENDURANCE: WHEN YOU ARE REDUCED TO 0 HIT POINTS BUT NOT KILLED OUTRIGHT, YOU CAN DROP TO 1 HIT POINT INSTEAD. THIS DOES NOT COST ADRENALINE; IT IS JUST YOUR SHEER STUBBORNNESS. · BLOOD FRENZY: WHEN YOU SCORE A CRITICAL HIT WITH A MELEE WEAPON, YOU MAY MAKE ONE ADDITIONAL MELEE ATTACK AS A BONUS ACTION. THE SIGHT OF BLOOD (YOURS OR THEIRS) EXCITES YOUR MUSCLES.
3. THE HELLFORGED (DEMONS) PHYSIQUE: VARIED. SOME ARE CLASSIC RED DEVILS WITH HORNS AS THICK AS THIGHS. OTHERS ARE BEASTS OF SHADOW AND ASH WITH MUSCULATURE THAT SEEMS CARVED FROM OBSIDIAN. ALL EXUDE AN AURA OF DANGER AND FORBIDDEN SWOLLENESS. THEY ARE NOT INHERENTLY EVIL; THEY ARE INHERENTLY INTENSE. TRAITS: · INFERNAL CONSTITUTION: RESISTANCE TO FIRE DAMAGE. YOU CAN LITERALLY WALK THROUGH A BURNING BUILDING JUST TO SAVE YOUR FAVORITE LIFTING STONE. · DARK IMPERATIVE: YOU KNOW THE THAUMATURGY CANTRIP (YOUR VOICE BOOMS, THE GROUND TREMBLES, LIGHTS FLICKER). THIS IS NOT MAGIC; IT IS THE UNIVERSE RECOGNIZING A PREDATOR.
4. THE UR-KIN (ANTHROPOMORPHIC BEASTS) PHYSIQUE: WOLF-MEN, BEAR-MEN, BULL-MEN, LION-MEN. ALL BIPEDAL. ALL COVERED IN A SHEEN OF MUSCLE UNDER A COAT OF GLOSSY FUR OR TOUGH HIDE. THE WOLF-KIN ARE LEAN BUT WIRY-STRONG. THE BULL-KIN HAVE NECKS WIDER THAN THEIR HEADS. TRAITS: · NATURAL WEAPONRY: YOU HAVE A BITE, CLAW, OR GORE ATTACK THAT DEALS 1D6 + MIGHT MOD DAMAGE. YOU ARE NEVER UNARMED. EVEN IN A GENTLEMAN'S DUEL, YOU CAN CHOOSE TO JUST BITE THE RAPIER IN HALF. · PRIMAL SENSES: YOU HAVE ADVANTAGE ON INSIGHT CHECKS RELATED TO SMELL AND HEARING. YOU CAN LITERALLY SMELL FEAR. AND SWEAT. AND RESPECT.

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PART IV: THE LAND OF THE LIFTED – THE KINGDOM OF VALDERON THE KINGDOM IS A RUGGED, MOUNTAINOUS REALM KNOWN AS THE CRADLE OF STONE AND SINEW. IT IS NOT A PLACE OF GENTLE ROLLING HILLS AND BURBLING BROOKS. THE RIVERS HERE ARE WHITE-WATER TORRENTS FED BY GLACIERS. THE FORESTS ARE ANCIENT STANDS OF IRONWOOD THAT REQUIRE A MIGHT CHECK JUST TO CHOP DOWN. THE GLYPH-MOUNTS: THE CENTRAL SPINE OF THE CONTINENT. TOWERING PEAKS SAID TO BE THE PETRIFIED SPINES OF DEAD TITANS. THE HIGHEST PEAK, THE SPIRE OF SUPREMACY, IS WHERE THE KING'S THRONE RESTS. THE AIR IS THIN, AND ONLY THE TRULY VIGOROUS CAN EVEN BREATHE AT COURT WITHOUT PASSING OUT. THE FLEXING FJORDS: A COASTLINE OF SHEER CLIFFS AND DEEP, COLD WATER. THE MEN HERE ARE FISHERMEN WHO WRESTLE KRAKENSPAWN WITH THEIR BARE HANDS. THEIR ECONOMY IS BASED ON PEARLS AND THE OIL RENDERED FROM SEA MONSTER FAT. THE SWEATING SANDS: A VAST DESERT TO THE SOUTH WHERE THE DEMON CLANS DWELL. IT IS A LAND OF OBSIDIAN OUTCROPS AND SANDSTORMS THAT CAN STRIP FLESH FROM BONE. THE DEMONS HERE DO NOT WEAR ROBES FOR MODESTY; THEY WEAR THEM TO KEEP THE SAND OUT OF THEIR MUSCLE GROOVES.

PART V: THE STRUCTURE OF THE KINGDOM – THE HIERARCHY OF HEFT SOCIETY IN VALDERON IS A MERITOCRACY BASED ENTIRELY ON VISIBLE, DEMONSTRABLE PHYSICAL POWER AND FORTITUDE. TITLES ARE NOT INHERITED; THEY ARE LIFTED. THE HIGH KING (THE PRIME SPECIMEN) THE RULER SITS UPON THE GRANITE THRONE ATOP THE SPIRE OF SUPREMACY. HE IS NOT CHOSEN BY BLOODLINE. HE IS CHOSEN BY THE TRIALS OF THE FORGE. EVERY TEN YEARS, CHAMPIONS FROM EVERY DUCHY COMPETE IN FEATS OF STRENGTH: STONE TOSSING, LOG CARRYING, AND THE DREADED CAULDRON HAUL (DRAGGING A BOILING IRON POT FILLED WITH MOLTEN LEAD UP A MOUNTAIN). THE WINNER BECOMES KING. THE CURRENT HIGH KING IS MAGNUS THUNDERGUT, A HUMAN SO MASSIVE HIS SHOULDERS REQUIRE A CUSTOM-MADE DOORWAY (HE USUALLY JUST WALKS THROUGH THE WALL). THE BICEPS BARONS (REGIONAL LORDS) EACH REGION IS GOVERNED BY A BARON WHOSE AUTHORITY STEMS FROM HIS ABILITY TO DEFEAT ANY CHALLENGER IN A NON-LETHAL (BUT BRUTAL) WRESTLING MATCH. THEIR CASTLES ARE LITERAL GYMNASIUMS WITH BATTLEMENTS. TAXES ARE PAID IN IRON ORE, GRAIN (FOR GAINS), AND FURS. IF A PEASANT CANNOT PAY, THEY MUST WORK OFF THE DEBT BY HAULING STONES FOR THE BARON'S NEW AQUEDUCT OR WALL. THE GUILD OF IRON SENSE (THE LAW) THERE ARE NO WEAK-LIMBED JUDGES IN VALDERON. THE LAW IS UPHOLD BY JUSTICARS, MEN SO IMPOSING THEIR MERE PRESENCE STOPS CRIME. THEY WEAR HEAVY PLATE MAIL THAT THEY POLISH TO A MIRROR SHEEN USING SAND AND THEIR OWN PALMS. TRIALS ARE SETTLED BY THE ORDEAL OF GRIP: THE ACCUSED MUST HOLD ONTO A SLIPPERY, GREASED STONE PILLAR FOR A SET AMOUNT OF TIME. IF THEY FALL, THEY ARE GUILTY. IF THEY HOLD ON, THE GODS HAVE GRANTED THEM THE STRENGTH OF INNOCENCE. THE CONCLAVE OF SCULPTORS (MAGES & SCHOLARS) THE ARCANE SCULPTORS (MUSCLE WIZARDS) ARE ORGANIZED INTO A MONASTIC ORDER BASED IN THE VAULT OF ECHOES. IT IS A LIBRARY WHERE EVERY BOOK WEIGHS AT LEAST 50 POUNDS, AND PAGES ARE TURNED WITH A THICK WOODEN SPATULA TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL TEARING FROM TOO MUCH FINGER STRENGTH. THEY ARE ADVISORS, BUT THEY SPEAK IN DEEP, RESONANT TONES THAT VIBRATE THE FILLINGS OUT OF TEETH.

PART VI: ACTIVITIES IN THE REALM OF IRON THEW WHEN YOU ARE NOT CLEAVING SKULLS OR SUPLEXING DEMONS, VALDERON OFFERS A WEALTH OF ACTIVITIES THAT REINFORCE THE CULTURE OF STRENGTH AND BROTHERHOOD.

1. THE GREAT HUNTS (BROTHERHOOD QUESTS) THE FORESTS ARE FILLED WITH DIRE BEASTS: DIRE BEARS WITH PLATE-LIKE SKULLS, DIRE BOARS WITH TUSKS LIKE SIEGE WEAPONS. HUNTING THESE BEASTS IS A GROUP ACTIVITY. THE RULES OF THE HUNT FORBID THE USE OF POISON OR PROJECTILES OVER 100 YARDS. THE HONOR IS IN CLOSING THE DISTANCE, LOOKING THE BEAST IN THE EYE, AND OVERPOWERING IT. THE MEAT IS DISTRIBUTED EQUALLY. THE PELT IS GIVEN TO THE ONE WHO LANDED THE KILLING BLOW WITH HIS BARE HANDS.
2. THE FEAST OF FORGED BONDS IN EVERY VILLAGE SQUARE, THERE IS A MASSIVE STONE PIT. ONCE A MONTH, THE COMMUNITY GATHERS FOR THE FEAST. A MASSIVE ALE BARREL (CALLED A "HOGSHEAD OF HONOR") IS BROACHED. MEN EAT ENTIRE ROAST BOARS AND COMPETE IN TOAST LIFTING: HOLDING A FULL TANKARD AT ARM'S LENGTH. THE LAST MAN HOLDING HIS DRINK WITHOUT SPILLING GETS TO LEAD THE TOAST TO FALLEN BROTHERS. THIS IS A SACRED RITUAL. SPILLING ALE ON PURPOSE IS A HIGH CRIME PUNISHABLE BY HAVING TO CARRY THE EMPTY BARREL ON YOUR SHOULDERS FOR A WEEK.
3. THE ARENA OF GRIPES (SETTLING DISPUTES) PERSONAL CONFLICTS ARE RESOLVED NOT WITH WHISPERS AND GOSSIP, BUT WITH THE IRON HANDSHAKE. TWO MEN GRIP HANDS. THE FIRST TO WITHDRAW OR SHOW PAIN LOSES THE ARGUMENT. BETTING ON THESE CONTESTS IS A FAVORITE PASTIME. SOME MEN, KNOWN AS GRIP ARTISTS, TRAVEL THE LAND CHALLENGING LOCAL CHAMPIONS TO HANDSHAKES FOR COIN. A TIE IN A GRIP CONTEST IS IMPOSSIBLE; SOMEONE'S KNUCKLES WILL GIVE WAY EVENTUALLY.
4. THE PILGRIMAGE OF PLATE (SPIRITUAL JOURNEY) THE MOST DEVOUT OF VALDERON'S MEN (THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE PATH OF THE UNMOVING STONE) EMBARK ON A PILGRIMAGE CARRYING A FULL SUIT OF STONE ARMOR. THEY DO NOT WEAR IT; THEY CARRY IT PIECE BY PIECE TO THE SUMMIT OF THE SPIRE OF SUPREMACY. ONCE THERE, THEY ASSEMBLE THE ARMOR AND LEAVE IT AS AN OFFERING. THIS JOURNEY TAKES MONTHS AND IS A TEST OF PURE FORTITUDE. THOSE WHO COMPLETE IT ARE GRANTED THE TITLE STONE-SHOULDERED, A MARK OF IMMENSE RESPECT.
5. CRAFTING & FORGING (THE SWEAT OF CREATION) BLACKSMITHING IS A SACRED ART. THE FORGES OF VALDERON ARE NOT LIT WITH CHARCOAL; THEY ARE HEATED BY GEOTHERMAL VENTS OR BY DEMONS EXHALING UPON THE COALS. TO FORGE A TRUE WEAPON, THE SMITH MUST SING THE RHYTHM OF THE HAMMER. THIS IS A LOW, GRUNTING CHANT THAT SYNCS WITH THE BEAT OF HIS HEART. A WEAPON FORGED IN SILENCE IS CONSIDERED DEAD METAL. · MUNDANE CRAFTING: REQUIRES MIGHT CHECKS TO SWING THE HAMMER AND FORTITUDE CHECKS TO WITHSTAND THE HEAT. · ARCANE CRAFTING (POTIONS): REQUIRES THE BREWMASTER TO STIR THE VAT FOR EXACTLY 8 HOURS WITHOUT STOPPING. THIS IS A GRUELING ENDURANCE TEST. FAILURE MEANS THE POTION CURDLES INTO A THICK, USELESS GUNK (THOUGH IT STILL TASTES LIKE VENGEANCE AND PROTEIN).
6. THE LOGGER'S CHALLENGE (ECONOMY BUILDING) WOOD IS THE PRIMARY BUILDING MATERIAL (ALONGSIDE STONE). LUMBERJACKS ARE CELEBRATED ATHLETES. FELLING A TREE IS A CONTEST OF VIGOR: WHO CAN SWING THE AXE FASTEST? BUT THE TRUE GLORY IS IN THE CABER TOSS. A MASSIVE LOG, STRIPPED OF BARK, IS HOISTED VERTICALLY. THE GOAL IS TO TOSS IT SO IT FLIPS END-OVER-END AND LANDS STRAIGHT AHEAD. DISTANCE IS GOOD, BUT A PERFECT "12 O'CLOCK" LANDING IS LEGENDARY.
7. TERRITORY MARKING (DOMINANCE DISPLAYS) THIS IS A CULTURAL NORM, ESPECIALLY AMONG THE UR-KIN AND ORCS. WHEN ENTERING A NEW AREA OR A TAVERN, A MAN IS EXPECTED TO RAP HIS KNUCKLES ON THE HARDEST SURFACE AVAILABLE (OAK TABLE, STONE PILLAR, IRON SHIELD) THREE TIMES. THIS IS NOT AGGRESSION; IT IS ANNOUNCEMENT. "I AM HERE. I AM DENSE. I RESPECT THIS SPACE." FAILURE TO DO SO IS SEEN AS SNEAKING, AND SNEAKING IS FOR THIEVES AND GOBLINS (WHO ARE THE ONLY BEINGS IN THE WORLD NOT SWOLE, HENCE THEIR VILLAINY).

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PART VII: COMBAT – THE ART OF THE CLASH COMBAT IN IRON THEW CHRONICLES IS LOUD, PHYSICAL, AND REWARDS AGGRESSION. INITIATIVE: THE STARE DOWN COMBAT BEGINS WITH A CONTESTED PRESENCE CHECK. ALL COMBATANTS LOCK EYES. THE HIGHEST ROLL GOES FIRST. THIS REPRESENTS IMPOSING YOUR WILL AND SHEER PHYSICAL AURA ON THE ENEMY SO THOROUGHLY THAT THEY HESITATE. IN CASE OF A TIE, THE COMBATANTS WITH HIGHER MIGHT GO FIRST (THE BIGGER MAN WINS THE BLINKING CONTEST). ACTIONS IN COMBAT · STANDARD ATTACK: ROLL D20 + MIGHT + PROF VS AC. · GRAPPLE: THIS IS THE BREAD AND BUTTER OF VALDERON COMBAT. ROLL CONTESTED MIGHT. WINNER GRABS THE LOSER. · SUBMISSION HOLD: ONCE GRAPPLED, YOU MAY USE YOUR ACTION TO ATTEMPT A SUBMISSION. ROLL CONTESTED FORTITUDE. WINNER APPLIES PAIN. LOSER TAKES 1D8 + MIGHT DAMAGE AND IS STAGGERED (DISADVANTAGE ON NEXT ATTACK). · BODY SLAM: WHILE GRAPPLING, YOU MAY LIFT AND SLAM THE ENEMY. CONTESTED MIGHT CHECK. IF YOU WIN, YOU SLAM THEM PRONE FOR 2D6 + MIGHT BLUDGEONING DAMAGE AND RELEASE THE GRAPPLE. WEAPONS & ARMOR WEAPONS ARE MASSIVE. A "LONGSWORD" IN VALDERON WEIGHS 15 POUNDS AND IS WIELDED ONE-HANDED BY A STRONG MAN. A "GREATSWORD" REQUIRES A MINIMUM MIGHT OF 15 JUST TO LIFT WITHOUT STRAINING, AND SWINGING IT CREATES A BOW SHOCK THAT CAN EXTINGUISH NEARBY CANDLES. ARMOR IS HEAVY. LEATHER ARMOR IS BOILED CUIR BOUILLI AS THICK AS A PHONE BOOK. PLATE MAIL IS FORGED FROM ANVIL SCRAPS. THE AVERAGE KNIGHT'S CHEST PLATE IS SO CONVEX WITH PECTORAL DEFINITION THAT ARROWS GLANCE OFF PURELY DUE TO THE GEOMETRY OF THE PEC CURVE. THE RULE OF AWESOME (FOREMAN DISCRETION) IF A PLAYER DESCRIBES AN ACTION WITH SUFFICIENT PHYSICAL INTENSITY AND VERVE, THE FOREMAN MAY GRANT INSPIRATION (A FREE RE-ROLL) OR LOWER THE DC OF THE CHECK. FOR EXAMPLE: · PLAYER: "I DON'T JUST CLIMB THE ROPE. I HOIST MYSELF USING ONLY MY FOREARMS, KEEPING MY BODY PERFECTLY L-SHAPED TO SHOW THE GOBLINS BELOW THE DEFINITION OF MY ABDOMINAL WALL." · FOREMAN: "ROLL WITH ADVANTAGE."

PART VIII: BESTIARY OF BULK – SAMPLE ENEMIES WHILE ALL MEN ARE SWOLE, THE MONSTERS AND VILLAINS OF VALDERON OFFER UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF MUSCULATURE. THE ATROPHIED (THE WEAKLINGS) GOBLINS, IMPS, AND SKELETONS. THESE CREATURES ARE THE ANTITHESIS OF VALDERON'S VALUES. THEY ARE SKINNY, BONY, AND SNEAKY. THEY FIGHT WITH POISON AND TRAPS BECAUSE THEY ARE TOO PATHETIC TO FIGHT FAIR. FIGHTING THEM IS CONSIDERED "PEST CONTROL" RATHER THAN "BATTLE." A TRUE HERO OF VALDERON SEEKS TO GRAPPLE A DRAGON, NOT STAB A GOBLIN IN THE BACK. STATS: LOW MIGHT, HIGH VIGOR (THEY SCURRY). WEAKNESS: IF GRAPPLED, THEY ARE INSTANTLY CRUSHED (CRITICAL DAMAGE). THE FROST GIANT (THE MIGHTY FOE) BEHEMOTHS OF ICE AND RAGE. THEIR BEARDS ARE FROZEN SOLID INTO SPIKES OF FACIAL ARMOR. THEY RESPECT STRENGTH ABOVE ALL ELSE. IT IS POSSIBLE TO BEAT A FROST GIANT IN AN ARM WRESTLING CONTEST AND EARN HIS ALLEGIANCE, BYPASSING COMBAT ENTIRELY. STATS: MIGHT 24, FORTITUDE 22. ABILITY: GLACIAL GRIP (TARGET MUST MAKE A DC 18 MIGHT SAVE OR BE ENCASED IN ICE AND UNABLE TO MOVE). THE IRON HYDRA (THE BULK BOSS) EACH HEAD OF THIS REPTILIAN NIGHTMARE IS ATTACHED TO A NECK PURELY COMPOSED OF INTERLOCKED MUSCLE STRANDS. CUTTING OFF A HEAD IS NOT A SWIFT SLICE; IT IS A SUSTAINED MIGHT CHECK TO HACK THROUGH DENSE FIBERS. WHEN A HEAD IS SEVERED, TWO MORE DO NOT GROW BACK. INSTEAD, THE STUMPS SWELL, FORMING A MASSIVE, UGLY KNOT OF SCAR TISSUE THAT INCREASES THE BEAST'S FORTITUDE. THIS REPRESENTS THE CONCEPT OF MUSCLE CONFUSION ON A MONSTROUS SCALE.

PART IX: LEGENDARY EQUIPMENT – THE ARTIFACTS OF SWOLE

1. THE GIRDLE OF THE TITAN'S BELLY A WIDE LEATHER BELT WITH A BUCKLE THE SIZE OF A SMALL SHIELD. IT DOES NOT REDUCE WEIGHT. IT REDISTRIBUTES IT TO THE WEARER'S LEGS AND CORE. WHILE WEARING THIS BELT, YOUR LIFTING AND CARRYING CAPACITY IS DOUBLED. YOU MAY CARRY A HORSE UP A FLIGHT OF STAIRS.
2. THE CAULDRON OF ETERNAL STEW A LEGENDARY ARTIFACT HELD BY THE KING'S BREWMASTER. ANY MEAT AND VEGETABLE PLACED INSIDE IS RENDERED INTO A PERFECTLY BALANCED MACRONUTRIENT SLURRY IN ONE HOUR. EATING A BOWL OF THIS STEW GRANTS RESISTANCE TO COLD DAMAGE AND ADVANTAGE ON FORTITUDE SAVES FOR 24 HOURS. THE STEW TASTES LIKE GRIT AND VICTORY.
3. THE HAMMER OF HEFT A WARHAMMER MADE OF SOLID STAR-METAL. IT DOES NOT HAVE AN ENCHANTMENT TO HIT HARDER. IT HAS AN ENCHANTMENT TO BECOME HEAVIER ONLY FOR THE PERSON BEING HIT. TO THE WIELDER, IT FEELS PERFECTLY BALANCED (20 LBS). UPON IMPACT, THE TARGET EXPERIENCES THE FORCE OF A 500-LB ANVIL DROPPED FROM A CLIFF.

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PART X: THE IRON THEW CREED (FINAL WORDS) THIS IS THE WORLD OF VALDERON. IT IS A WORLD OF EXAGGERATION, OF LOUD LAUGHS AND LOUDER BATTLES. BUT BENEATH THE BRONZED PECKS AND THE BICEPS THAT RIVAL HAMS, THERE IS A DEEP-SEATED CODE OF HONOR. IT IS CALLED THE IRON THEW CREED.

1. LIFT THY BROTHER'S BURDEN. (AID THOSE WEAKER THAN YOURSELF, THOUGH NONE ARE TRULY WEAK).
2. THE IRON NEVER LIES. (BE HONEST. YOUR BODY WILL BETRAY YOUR FALSEHOOD WITH A TREMOR OF WEAKNESS).
3. REST IS FOR THE RECOVERY OF MUSCLE, NOT THE SPIRIT. (NEVER GIVE UP).
4. BLEED WITH HONOR. SWEAT WITH PURPOSE. ROAR WITH JOY. GO FORTH NOW, ADVENTURER. MAY YOUR VASCULARITY BE LEGENDARY, AND MAY YOUR CRITICAL HITS ALWAYS BE NATURAL 20S. THIS CONCLUDES THE FOUNDATIONAL TOME OF THE IRON THEW CHRONICLES. THE FORGE AWAITS. THE SPIRE CALLS. FLEX, AND BE RECOGNIZED.