Since last session, I though about including something like the Winter Phase from Pendragon and to throw in a “slice of life” or socializing session every once in a while. I hoped to test out some other rule concepts and routines in this process.
I think that this would really suit this campaign. Let’s be honest, Essryd might be quite a good melee fighter and she might have been more on the tomboy side of things in her past, but it is not that appropriate for a recently designated baroness to run around the woods, chasing the thiefs who stole some grain from the warehouse.
Additional changes: I now keep a type of encyclopedia where I note all NPCs and locations that were of relevance to this playthrough. I created a detailed representation of Nurien Keep using the HârnManor, generated a village map and blueprints for the building. Then everybody in the village and household from the manor sheet got a name (I decided to align with Welsh-like names), and I randomly assigned character traits using the Mysthic GME. When a new NPC comes up on the stage of this “drama”, I will write a short character profile for my personal records to keep this campaign as concise as possible.
Enough talk … let’s begin!
Scene #5 – She who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command
7 Núzyæl TR 720
Awakening with a sly smile, Essryd realizes she neglected to release Leufred Tarne from his imprisonment—a lapse that stirs a wry internal amusement as she ponders its theological implications of torture. Dressed in casual yet practical attire suitable for the day’s endeavors—riding breeches, boots, and an appropriate shirt—she descends to the keep’s main floor.
Confronted with the oversight of Leufred’s continued confinement, Essryd summons Segric Gllâome, the steadfast Sergeant-at-arms. She instructs him to arrange for a guard’s immediate release of Tarne and to ensure he receives a modest compensation—some pennies—as well as an open invitation to return at will. Segric bows in compliance, departing to carry out her directive.
The din from the village square attracts Essryd’s attention; a heated altercation between clothier Siany Gwion and timberwright Amlawdd Maddex over a theft of beetroots reaches a crescendo.
Upon demanding clarification, Siany recounts observing Amlawdd pilfering her prized vegetables. To her astonishment, rather than deny the act, Amlawdd defiantly produces the stolen beetroot and lambasts Siany’s practice of keeping the best produce locked away—a perceived injustice warranting his transgression in his mind.
Confounded by this reasoning, Essryd imposes a 10-penny fine on Amlawdd, compelling him to return the beetroots. To de-escalate, she proposes that Siany might sell them at the imposed cost, but Siany declines firmly. With a subtle eye-roll reflecting her exasperation, Essryd reiterates with increased gravity: theft is intolerable and this is Amlawdd’s final warning. The message is clear—regardless of past practices, such behavior will no longer be tolerated under her stewardship.
As Essryd prepares to continue her path, an urgent summons from a guard halts her steps. Turning with palpable irritation, she queries sharply the nature of this new development.
The guard conveys that a messenger from Techen has arrived, heralding the imminent visit of Revi Lenesque, Earl of Techen, within the next few hours—a consequence of recent family misfortunes she had anticipated yet dreaded. Her aversion to hosting an individual bearing the surname Lenesque evident, Essryd directs the guard to accommodate the messenger courteously to avoid any suggestion of inhospitality.
Returning to the keep’s interior, she summons both steward Edryd Swavely and chamberlain Sulwyn Broadus. The gravity of their task—preparing for the Earl’s arrival—is underscored by Essryd. However, Sulwyn’s immediate concern highlights a critical shortage: insufficient fresh meat to honorably feed such distinguished guests.
In a moment of strategic insight, Essryd proposes inviting the Earl on a hunt in the surrounding woods. This suggestion not only aligns with noble custom but also buys vital time for her staff to procure and prepare sufficient provisions.
Upon apprising Essryd of his impending departure from Nurien, Ynyr articulates the prudence behind his absence upon Earl Lenesque’s arrival. He emphasizes the need for her composure, advising against any provocation towards the visiting noble, hinting at deeper motives beyond mere courtesy.
Acknowledging her uncle’s wisdom and the gravity of assuming her new role, Essryd commits to seeking solace in Tormau once she has navigated initial responsibilities. With a nodding smile and a slight bow, Ynyr retreats to arrange his departure, leaving Essryd to navigate both family duty and political intrigue with measured resolve.
Scene #6 – Power does not corrupt, fear does
7 Núzyæl TR 720
The arrival of Earl Lenesque of Techen is heralded by guards’ shouts and the creak of opening gates—a sound met with Essryd’s grimace, reflecting her disdain for this obligatory encounter. Ensuring her appearance is impeccable, she pauses to gather composure, recalling Ynyr’s strategic counsel.
Exiting into the keep courtyard, Essryd adopts a courteous smile as Earl Lenesque dismounts and commands his entourage to follow suit. As he extends arms in an apparent gesture of embrace, she adeptly redirects the moment by initiating a discussion on the nature of his visit.
The Earl extends condolences for her family’s loss, probing if those responsible have been apprehended. In a rare lapse, Essryd’s guard falters; she questions how Lenesque knows the perpetrators were multiple, hinting at underlying suspicions.
Observing this opening, the Earl queries the implication of her remark. Flustered yet maintaining grace, Essryd admits that in her current state of turmoil—lacking definitive leads and suspecting everyone—even the farthest stretch includes momentarily doubting him. The vulnerability behind her words hangs poignantly between them, as she seeks understanding for her emotional turbulence during this challenging period.
Seizing the opportunity, Essryd diplomatically attributes her staff’s unpreparedness for a feast to the spontaneous nature of his visit. She extends an alternative invitation—a hunt in the woods—to demonstrate hospitality and engage him.
Earl Lenesque declines, citing poor health exacerbated by prolonged exposure in chilly forests—a dubious claim. Recognizing both his lack of conviction and underlying apprehension—potentially stemming from not wanting to be outshone by a woman in such a pursuit—Essryd inwardly appraises the Earl’s clever yet cowardly demeanor.
Maintaining her poise, she subtly directs Sulwyn Broadus with a knowing smile to dispatch hunters for game. With a nod, he departs to execute this directive efficiently.
Leveraging his earlier health claim, Essryd courteously inquires if he might indulge in a chalice of wine, gesturing towards the keep’s interior. The Earl responds with a nod and slight bow before following her inside.
To herself, Essryd mutters an assurance that the offered wine sadly poses no threat of poisoning, maintaining diplomatic decorum as she leads their conversation into more controlled surroundings.
Over shared wine, the conversation delves into recent tragic events; Earl Lenesque probes for specifics about the assassination and expresses relief at Essryd’s survival. She acknowledges his concern with a smile and nod but swiftly pivots, posing a rhetorical question regarding any revelations from the conspirators—an immediate denial of such knowledge follows. She candidly shares that her advisors prepared her to accept the enigma surrounding her family’s demise.
Despite scrutinizing Lenesque’s expression for insights, she remains unsuccessful.
A main dish of Stewed Boar and Sauteed Ham in a Effervescent sauce, flavoured with Lavender, with a side dish of Flambeed Beef Liver in a Custard sauce, flavoured with Fenugreek.
Chamberlain Sulwyn Broadus announcing the meal.
As dinner concludes and twilight approaches, Earl Lenesque announces his departure to reach Techen before nightfall. Essryd concurs and reveals her imminent travel plans, prompted by advisors’ counsel to reconcile with the stark realities of her new responsibilities as the sole survivor of House Gehwær.
With formalities observed, Lenesque departs for Techen. Once gates close behind him, Essryd visibly spits as if dispelling a foul taste. Returning indoors, she requests another wine to erase this lingering disquiet from their encounter.
As night deepens, Essryd methodically arranges her preparations for the impending journey to Tormau, scheduled for the next morning.
To be continued …
Essryd’s departure to Tormau concludes this part of the campaign. I was really hoping for the Earl of Techen to accept the invitation to go hunting in the woods. I was really looking forward to use the hunting procedure described in the HMK rulebook. I don’t know whether you recognized it or not, I used the random tables from the Lyonesse rulebook by The Design Mechanism to create the meal Essryd and the Earl of Techen had. I thought that was a nice little feature to have.
I hope you had fun reading this part of the adventure! See you soon!
Sources used:
– HârnMaster Kèthîra (Keléstia Productions Ltd.)
– Kingdom of Rethem (Columbia Games Inc.)
– HârnManor (Columbia Games Inc.)
– Order of the Copper Hook (Columbia Games Inc.)
– Order of the Fuming Gate (Columbia Games Inc.)
– HârnMaster Religion (Columbia Games Inc.)
– Hârn Religion Team Website (https://www.lythia.com/hrt/)
– Pendragon 5.2e (Nocturnal Media)
– Lyonesse Core Rulebook (The Design Mechanism)
– Mythic GME 2nd Edition (Word Mill Games)
