Welcome to part 3 of my Hârn solo campaign. Today we will do some fancy stuff, not only that I touch the travel and trekking procedures for the first time, you will also be in the front row of me having a very hard time to decide whether or not to use Hârnic language equivalents for some titles and names. For example the term Baroness would be Esúrua, and Earl would become Málnîr.
I’m really tempted to do that since I flipped through my copy of Venârivè and stumbled over Appendix III: Titles of Venârivè. But I know that I would forget what is what, and after a while start to mix things up and use the terms inconsitently. I thought about the following: We pretend that I write in Hârnic, you read everything in Hârnic and nobody knows that it actually is English ab ovo … problem solved!
Without further ado, let’s-a go!
Scene #7 – It is the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination
8 Núzyæl TR 720
As dawn approaches, preparations at Nurien Keep intensify. Edryd, the Sergeant-in-arms, vehemently opposes Essryd’s solitaire journey to Tormau. Persuasively, she argues that a larger entourage would draw undue attention and compromise her desired anonymity. After careful deliberation, reluctantly conceding to reason, he eventually sighs in agreement.
With the sixth hour signaling departure, Essryd mounts her black stallion and exits through the gates towards Senun. The objective is to reach this town within four hours, rest briefly, and resume progress. The persistent rain compels her to pull her cloak’s hood deeper for protection against the downpour—cool but relentless.
Upon arrival at Senun—a riverside settlement on the Gomisen, Essryd promptly seeks refuge in an inn. She entrusts her steed to a stable boy and enters the tavern, shaking off rain under the fireplace’s warmth. The meal, though unremarkable, proves palatable amidst their modest expectations.
Refreshed, she resumes travel for about two hours towards the westward junction, where muddy terrain challenges her navigation, costing an hour’s delay. However, a timely discovery of shelter mitigates further setbacks, allowing Essryd to secure a necessary night’s rest before continuing her journey.
9 Núzyæl TR 720
As early morning light breaks, Essryd departs from the hostel, provisions secured for the forthcoming leg of her journey toward a small settlement north-northwest of Shostim. Noting that while rain persists, its intensity has diminished, she makes efficient progress for the first four hours.
Reaching a suitable clearing, she elects to rest briefly. Alas, most of her rations have succumbed to prolonged dampness, rendering them unusable. Determined, empty-stomached but resolute, Essryd hastens towards the marked settlement on her map.
Eventually arriving at what can only be termed a hamlet, a plump woman in her forties emerges from a rudimentary tavern, greeting Essryd with a raspy voice and brusque offer of lodging and food. Leaving her horse to stable hands, Essryd enters the establishment, bracing herself for what promises to be an unenviable night. The pervasive odor reminiscent of animal quarters exacerbates her initial apprehension.
At a corner table, a man sits nursing a fresh wound; his condition sparks curiosity and concern. Shortly after seating herself, Essryd is served a dubious concoction. With a critical eye and reluctant spoon, she samples the meal—its taste confirming her worst suspicions.
Addressing the innkeeper about the injured man, she learns of his unfortunate dispute with a pitchfork in the stable. Undeterred by her surroundings’ shortcomings, Essryd intervenes, demanding hot water and clean cloth for first aid. The innkeeper obligingly fetches these essentials. Impressed by her own adeptness in treating the wound, Essryd efficiently tends to him. His grateful nod and words of thanks are met with her pragmatic assertion: tending his injury was a necessary measure to restore some semblance of peace, allowing herself uninterrupted dining.
With a dismissive eye-roll at the innkeeper’s chiding of her husband for troubling guests, Essryd resumes eating, focusing on fortifying herself despite the night’s many inconveniences.
10 Núzyæl TR 720
A faint scratching noise rouses Essryd from sleep; she ignites a candle in her austere room, searching unsuccessfully for the disturbance’s source. Her innovative clothesline, ingeniously preventing contamination, holds her garments out of reach—a clever pre-sleep precaution now necessitating a somewhat intricate dressing process. Rising reluctantly and placing a bare foot on the chilly floor, she retrieves her breeches and shirt, acknowledging an unusual layer of complexity in her morning routine.
The innkeeper’s gesture—a ration pack for her journey, offered as gratitude for tending to her husband’s wound—earns Essryd’s polite smile and thanks before her swift departure.
Shortly into travel, Essryd spots a nearby creek amidst the woods, opting to bathe in its icy waters. This brief cleansing helps dispel the residual discomfort from her previous night’s substandard lodging.
As daylight wanes, she arrives at Quiso on the banks of the River Denia. Confidently plotting her course, Essryd anticipates reaching Tormau by midday tomorrow, situating it near the river’s mouth. Finding a modest yet tidy inn for an uneventful night, her spirits lift as she settles into more hospitable quarters.
11 Núzyæl TR 720
Awakening to renewed rain, Essryd is buoyed by the knowledge this marks her journey’s final leg from Quiso to Tormau. With a determined stride, she mounts her horse and proceeds.
After four hours of steady riding, she arrives at the ferry station on the Boka Bay’s outskirts. Observing frustration, Essryd notes the departing ferry, leaving her to await the next crossing in three hours. Opting for distraction, she explores nearby market stalls, engaging with vendors while patiently counting down the interval until her passage.
Eventually crossing Tormau’s formidable gates, Essryd prioritizes securing respectable lodgings before attempting an audience with Earl Denyl Lynnaeus on the morrow. Her chosen hostelry stands in stark contrast to recent accommodations, resembling a castle in comparison. After a hearty meal, she retires for the night, anticipation of a fresh and well-prepared approach coloring her thoughts.
Scene #8 – Therefore, it is necessary to be a fox to discover the snares …
12 Núzyæl TR 720
Promptly rising before dawn, Essryd meticulously dons her gown for this significant occasion and makes her way towards Tormau Castle’s imposing gates. Her request for entry is initially met with skepticism by the guards, indifferent to even her assertion of noble bearing.
Recognizing the futility in undue forcefulness, she politely requests that they announce her presence as Baroness Essryd Gehwær and present a letter of introduction from her uncle, Ynyr Gehwær. One guard departs on this mission, while the other maintains his stony vigil at the gate. After what feels like an interminable wait, the first guard returns, gesturing for Essryd to accompany him within.
Directed to a grand hall, Essryd is instructed to await the arrival of Earl Lynnaeus. Moments later, a herald’s stentorian voice reverberates through the chamber, announcing her with formality: “Esúrua Essryd Gehwær, sovereign of Nurien Keep, rightful heiress of lands and titles, and esteemed head of House Gehwær.” The resonant proclamation serves as a reminder of her lineage and responsibilities, momentarily bridging the unfamiliarity with the weight of her full name and titles.
Entering the hall with measured steps, Essryd approaches Earl Lynnaeus, who warmly greets her while reflecting on their distant past—a memory of a young Essryd scaling trees in Nurien Keep’s gardens at age five. His observation extends to her current attire, noting an apparent novelty both in noble responsibilities and formal dress.
With a playful yet insightful comment, the Earl queries if sporting heavy riding boots beneath elegant gowns is now de rigueur along the River Thard’s latest fashion. Essryd’s cheeks flush with embarrassment; however, his knowing smile softens the inquiry. Stepping forward, he envelopes her in a heartfelt embrace, offering his condolences for the recent passing of Baron Llewellyn Gehwær, his old friend.
Nodding graciously, she acknowledges the unfamiliarity of her new duties but resolutely asserts her intent to adapt and fulfill the responsibilities awaiting her.
In a composed tone, Essryd elucidates her mission on behalf of her uncle, who extends his regards to Earl Lynnaeus. The nobleman acknowledges this and decisively asserts that formal discussions will wait, prioritizing a banquet befitting the daughter and niece of old friends. He further decrees that Essryd shall reside within Tormau Castle’s walls for her stay.
Immediately arranging matters, the Earl dispatches attendants to retrieve Essryd’s belongings and horse from the inn, ensuring she is comfortably accommodated in prepared quarters.
Essryd’s query regarding her uncle’s motives elicits a knowing smile from the Earl. Suggesting that perhaps Uncle Ynyr envisioned Tormau Castle enhanced by Essryd’s presence, he gracefully redirects their conversation, subtly forestalling deeper delvings into her family’s mysterious plight at this juncture.
16 Núzyæl TR 720
In the preceding days, Essryd persistently endeavors to initiate conversations concerning the fate of her family, only to encounter deft evasions by Earl Lynnaeus. The pervasive sensation of being surveilled during her excursions or visits within Tormau amplifies her unease. Despite attempts to elude potential followers—hampered by her unfamiliarity with the locale—her efforts remain thwarted.
Her frustration mounting, Essryd contemplates departing for more urgent matters in Nurien Keep, growing weary of unanswered questions. However, as she stands before Earl Lynnaeus poised to voice her resolve, he gently but firmly places a hand on her shoulder and signals that the hour for frank discourse has finally arrived.
In a measured tone, the Earl elucidates his cautious approach, stressing the necessity to ascertain she posed no threat to his interests. As Essryd prepares to interject, he swiftly gestures for silence, ushering her into his private office where he courteously invites her to be seated.
Inquiring about Essryd’s knowledge of her lineage, the Earl discerns a gap in her understanding as she outlines the Gehwäers’ lordship over Nurien Keep for centuries. Shaking his head, he delves deeper, revealing that her family shares profound connections with the Kuboran clan Nolgind from the northern regions.
Essryd’s eyes widen in surprise, as the Earl elucidates further: members of her lineage currently rule on Akova Island within the Sea of Itikir—a legacy she had not previously grasped.
He proceeds to disclose more, detailing how Essryd’s father staunchly upheld the Kuboran pure blood ideology. The revelation that her familial bloodline could be unadulterated Kuboran heritage ignites her intrigue. The Earl explains that her family, unlike many others post-Kuboran Dynasty and Arlun the Barbarian’s reign in Rethem, steadfastly refused to abandon their ancestral claim on lost lands, aspiring one day to restore Kuboran dominion over Rethem. This intricate familial agenda unfolds before Essryd, reshaping her understanding of her heritage and the weighty responsibilities it entails.
Continuing his exposition, the Earl reveals how House Gehwær and House Lynnaeus solidified their alliance at this critical juncture, fortified by the Kuboran ties championed by Essryd’s father. He openly opposes Earl Revi Lenesque and particularly King Chaffin III, underscoring the strategic utility of these ancestral connections. The untimely death of her father is framed as a setback to their joint ambitions.
Observing Essryd’s initial reaction, the Earl counsels composure, emphasizing that the path to retribution must be carefully navigated and timing is paramount. He urges her to maintain a discreet profile while they prepare for future actions.
If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.
Earl Denyl Lynnaeus
With deliberate intent, he inquires if she believes herself capable of sustaining her father’s diplomatic rapport with the Kubora tribes, vital for their continued endeavors. Essryd is tasked with projecting an image of an unsuspecting noble heiress externally, but internally, to continue her father’s covert collaboration. After a moment of contemplation, she assents, seeking further instructions.
With a touch of humor, the Earl advises against precipitous attempts at vengeance—specifically targeting Revi Lenesque or King Chaffin III. He directs Essryd’s focus towards the Kuboran emissaries her father met in the Forest Hundreds near Rethem’s borders. They might demand verification of her lineage, for which he suggests presenting her father’s sigil ring as incontrovertible proof.
The Earl informs Essryd that ongoing correspondence will be facilitated by agents of the Order of the Copper Hook, whose operations benefit from financial support not merely from House Gehwær, but also from House Lynnaeus. This covert network ensures secure and discreet communication, minimizing the risk of unwanted attention and safeguarding their strategic endeavors.
Scene #9 – … and a lion to terrify the wolves
17 Núzyæl TR 720
As Essryd prepares for her departure from Tormau, Earl Lynnaeus reiterates his counsel for restraint and composure. With a solemn acknowledgment, she bids farewell to the Earl of Tormau and sets off on an alternative path back to Nurien Keep.
Her itinerary now includes traversing Shostim, Golotha, and following the banks of the Thard River, aiming for a more circuitous yet potentially safer return route.
Upon disembarking from the ferry at Winen, she notes the unusually cold weather for the season, wrapping herself tightly in her cloak. While traveling towards Quiso, encounters with merchants offer a sobering update: recent heavy rains have rendered the main road largely impassable. This necessitates an additional two-hour diversion to locate a viable alternative route.
Further progress is made without any unforseen events and Essryd can find shelter in a small tavern just before the marshland 10 leagues east of Quiso.
18 Núzyæl TR 720
Commencing her second day’s travel towards Nurien Keep, Essryd enjoys a hearty breakfast, marking this inn as particularly commendable among those encountered on her journey.
Well-nourished and invigorated, she exits the tavern, immediately feeling the persistent chill in the air. She shivers momentarily atop her horse but remains resolute. Determined to reach Shostim before dusk, she urges her steed forward. The journey proves fortuitously uneventful, allowing for a smooth passage towards her destination.
19 Núzyæl TR 720
With Shostim behind her, Essryd strategically plots the next segment of her journey towards Quste, aiming eventually for Golotha along the coast before potentially reaching Nurien Keep by nightfall. The weather cooperates favorably; the earlier chill dissipates, replaced by a warm and sunny day as she departs Shostim.
Utilizing her detailed map, Essryd navigates seamlessly through Quste and reaches Golotha just past midday. As she approaches familiar terrain, sighting the Thard River evokes a sense of homecoming. The picturesque riverbanks stand in stark contrast to the often grim perceptions harbored by Hârnic peoples about Rethem, offering Essryd a moment of serene reflection.
With the sun casting a warm glow, Essryd enjoys the pleasant weather so much that she opts to ride without her cloak, savoring the sunlight mirrored off the meandering Thard River.
Departing the narrow path by Tencen Bog at increased pace, she swiftly approaches the outskirts of Nurien just as dawn breaks. The tranquil village and keep, nestled in a riverine bend, gradually come into view. The guards’ announcement of her arrival echoes, prompting the gates to swing open in anticipation.
The familiar sight of Gwyngad, the ever-diligent but mischievous stable boy, greets her enthusiastically as he rushes forward to attend to her horse.
Her return is met with warmth by Steward Edryd Swavely, visibly relieved by her safe arrival. After a brief exchange about her journey, Essryd requests refreshments. In the newly appointed chambers of the lordship—once occupied by her parents—servants ensure her comfort. With a plate of hearty fare and a glass of wine in hand, Essryd settles at the table in the main room’s center, the crackling hearth adding to the sense of home as she absorbs the newfound surroundings of her responsibilities.
From the moment Essryd departed Tormau, an insistent whisper lingers at the edges of her consciousness, reinforcing her identity as a descendant of the Kubora—a label often synonymous with barbarism and wildness. This mental echo becomes a recurring reminder, occasionally drawing her focus inward as she absentmindedly twirls her father’s sigil ring on her finger.
To be continued …
This concludes the journey to Tormau and I can say with certainty, that I am now a master of the Trekking Routine. I am astonished how easy it was to recall all steps after the second or third time using them.
I hope you found this session entertaining and would be happy to welcome you for session #4 next time.
Sources used:
– HârnMaster Kèthîra (Keléstia Productions Ltd.)
– Kingdom of Rethem (Columbia Games Inc.)
– City of Golotha (Columbia Games Inc.)
– Castle Tormau (Columbia Games Inc.)
– Thard River (Columbia Games Inc.)
– Kubora Barbarians (Columbia Games Inc.)
– Mythic GME 2nd Edition (Word Mill Games)
– Mythic Magazine Compilation #5 (Word Mill Games)
