Part ten of my solo campaign brings us to yet another Kingdom on Essryd’s and Moire’s Tour de Hârn. I really think that it was a missed opportunity to not get a little sourvenir in each town they went through. But hey … it’s an escape, not a school excursion.
I originally planned to visit Tashal in Kaldor, but the robbery in Trobridge intervened a little bit. Of course it would have been funny to walk straight into the captial of the Kingdom that was keen on Kurson’s money, visit a bank and deposit the wealth … but not that realistic, and reality has been bent too many times in this campaign! *hehehe*
Scene #30 – You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist
29 Kelén 720 TR
Basking under favorable weather conditions and enjoying the camaraderie forged with fellow travelers, Essryd and Moire’s journey remains relatively untroubled by hostile encounters, save for the vigilant watch against barbarian threats.
In the serene repose between Mount Korda and Mount Kaludar, Essryd engages in a conversation with their group’s guide. He points out a concealed trail winding behind Mount Kaludar, a path leading towards Jedes—a strategic haven alongside numerous smaller settlements and manors. This revelation injects fresh consideration into their route planning.
Despite the lingering frostiness from the Trobridge incident, a candid discussion unfolds between Essryd and Moire about navigating their next steps wisely. Acknowledging the perilous optics of approaching Tashal directly after Kurson’s misadventure, they agree that diverting to Jedes offers both safety and a potential shortcut towards their southern goals—Chybisa and Melderyn.
Following brief deliberation, Essryd and Moire opt to part ways with their travel companions, embarking on their route towards Jedes. The guide’s mention of the annual Horse Fair and Tourney from 25 to 30 Kelén sparks a flicker of interest; an event promising both respite and diversion.
Upon reaching Jedes at midday amidst a bustling crowd of visitors, Essryd successfully secures a modest room—a single haven for shared solace under the town’s vibrant festivities. With their horses comfortably lodged in the stables, they venture into the common field, where the tournament’s excitement and fairground charm provide a welcomed escape from recent tensions.
As Essryd procures a savory meal, she subtly gauges Moire’s demeanor, seeking reassurance that the distance born of Trobridge’s incident has begun to thaw.
In the spirited atmosphere of the tournament, Essryd and Moire’s paths cross with Ludecke Heren—a jovial, portly merchant from Thay. His amiable demeanor and practical counsel resonate immediately: traveling south without robust companionship and a well-guarded caravan is fraught with peril.
Ludecke’s proposition carries the weight of shared safety; he informs them that in Qualdris, his brother Herwig awaits, part of an expeditionary caravan laden with Tashal’s acquisitions en route to Thay. The offer to join their journey promises not only a secure passage but also the camaraderie and protection afforded by a larger group.
Seeing this as a fortuitous opportunity to mitigate the risks of lone travel while reinforcing their resolve, Essryd and Moire accept Ludecke’s invitation with gratitude. This alliance sets them on a path where collective strength meets shared purpose, a strategic pivot that aligns well with their cautious yet forward-thinking approach.
Thus, Jedes becomes more than a mere resting point—it is the confluence of new allies and the beginning of a safer chapter in their journey southward towards.
With plans solidified, Ludecke, Essryd, and Moire agree to meet at dawn the following day, their destination being Qualdris with Hutrop as an intermediate stop. As evening descends, the scene at Jedes shifts from the tournament’s fervor to a tranquil supper. Sharing a hearty meal and an ale, the day’s tension ebbs away.
In this moment of reflection, Essryd once again extends her apology for the Trobridge incident. Yet she underscores a pragmatic necessity: securing their future against uncertainties requires every available resource. The funds taken from Kurson are not merely about retribution but about paving pathways to new beginnings—wherever fortune and circumstance might lead them.
This candid admission bridges past actions with forward-looking resolve, reminding Moire of the precariousness that often dictates survival’s demands.
Scene #31 – Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow
30 Kelén 720 TR
As dawn breaks, Essryd, Moire, Ludecke, and his diligent guards convene at Jedes’ southern exit. The combination of vigilant escorts and the relatively secure route ensures their journey is trouble-free, marked by the confidence that comes with preparedness.
Leaving Hutrop behind by midday, they press on towards Qualdris. In the evening’s soft glow, the reunion with Herwig at an inviting inn breathes warmth into their shared enterprise. The brothers’ collaborative planning sets a new course: departure from Qualdris the next day, charting a path southward to Kobing and beyond toward Oselbridge.
Each mile covered under this protective convoy brings them closer not only to Thay but also to reinforcing their alliance’s strength against the uncertainties of the open road.
As they settle into the evening’s comfort at Qualdris’ inn, Essryd and Moire find solace in the growing bond with their new companions. Together, they prepare for the next leg of their journey towards Thay.
1 Nólus 720 TR
As late afternoon casts lengthening shadows, the caravan’s keen vigilance pays off when they detect a group of wandering Gârguns at a distance. Deftly avoiding potential conflict, their practiced maneuvering ensures an uninterrupted progress.
A guide’s discovery of tracks leading to a previously occupied camp marks an opportune halt for the day. Here, amidst nature’s temporary sanctuary, Herwig and Ludecke share insights into their enterprise: they carried goods from Thay bound for Tashal’s bustling market on the Summer Solstice, promising lucrative transactions ahead.
The day’s successful hunt yields a bountiful game, which is promptly prepared over a crackling fire by skilled hands. The aroma of roasting meat mingles with the crisp evening air, creating an atmosphere of comfort and shared triumph. This meal becomes more than sustenance—it fortifies the bonds among travelers, underscoring their collective journey’s achievements and mutual reliance.
With renewed vigor and fortified by recent experiences, the group advances along the Genin Trail, each day’s travel bringing them closer to Burzyn nestled within the realm of Chybisa. This leg of their journey is marked by steady progress and a growing familiarity among companions.
5 Nólus 720 TR
As they navigate towards their midway point on the Genin Trail, Burzyn emerges in late afternoon’s golden light—a bustling crossroads teeming with possibilities. Essryd and Moire find themselves at a pivotal juncture, debating whether to accompany the caravan all the way to Thay or seek new plans in Harden.
Moire persuasively highlights Thay’s advantages: its larger populace offers broader opportunities, including a crucial harbor for future ventures. Essryd, drawing from her father’s enigmatic deposit at Hlanéndès Bank in Chélemby—a place shrouded in mystery—expresses the hope that their journey to Thay might reveal further directions.
When they query Herwig and Ludecke, the merchants provide enlightening insights: Chélemby lies across the eastern sea, a frequented port with ships plying its routes. This revelation adds weight to Moire’s argument for continuing to Thay, where connections and knowledge flourish more abundantly than in Harden.
The ensuing days on the Genin Trail are filled with deliberations, each conversation layering their strategic considerations. The potential of Thay’s harbor and the promise of unraveling familial mysteries at Hlanéndès Bank gradually tilt the balance in favor of pressing onward to this bustling destination. As their resolve crystallizes, Essryd and Moire prepare for the next phase, their determination fueled by the ever-present whisper of new beginnings awaiting them beyond Thay’s horizon.
Scene #32 – Art is the only way to run away without leaving home
12 Nólus 720 TR
Upon arriving in Thay, Essryd and Moire bid farewell to Ludecke and Herwig but promise to meet them before departing for Chélemby. This shared parting, laced with mutual gratitude, underscores the value of their transient alliance.
Navigating the bustling streets of Thay—the second largest settlement in Melderyn—Essryd and Moire seek a suitable inn. The town’s vibrancy encapsulates commerce and culture, a perfect backdrop for their reflective pause before embarking on another leg of their journey.
In one of Thay’s narrow alleys thronged with merchants, they procure a satisfying meal from a lively stall, savoring the local flavors as they discuss their next steps. With bellies full and spirits lifted, they stroll towards the harbor, its salty breeze a harbinger of forthcoming adventure.
Perched on the quayside wall, the rhythmic lapping of waves against stone forms a tranquil counterpoint to their strategic conversation. The journey to Chélemby is mapped out in tentative yet hopeful terms; each decision weighed with the experiences gained and the lessons learned from their companions along the way.
Seizing upon Moire’s practical counsel, Essryd concurs; inquiring directly at Thay’s harbor stands as their most promising move towards Chélemby. The harbor master diligently provides a schedule of eastbound vessels departing within the next fortnight—an array of possibilities presenting themselves to the intrepid duo.
With keen determination, Essryd and Moire approach the listed ships. Their diligence meets with swift success when they encounter a willing pilot ready to undertake their passage to Chélemby. This arrangement offers not just transportation but also a window into the broader maritime network vital for their future endeavors.
The pilot details a clear itinerary: boarding in four days, with an estimated three-to-four-day journey. After thorough negotiation, they settle on a fare of 40 pennies per person and 20 pennies for each horse, exclusive of lodging expenses during the voyage. This agreement secures their passage, aligning practicality with ambition as they prepare to sail towards Chélemby—a destination promising answers and new ventures.
15 Nólus 720 TR
Amidst the fading light of a Thay evening, Essryd pens her final missive to Uncle Ynyr, conscious that their paths may diverge indefinitely given the unpredictable nature of their voyage. The letter, laden with farewells and unwavering resolve, makes peace with Hârn; she trusts Moire shares this serene acceptance.
Dearest Uncle Ynyr,
It behooveth me to convey with solemnity our impending departure from the perils of Hârn, a decision born not of whim but necessity and reflection. Myself and Moire find our hearts weighed down by the trials that beset these lands, trials for which I bear no small measure of regretful responsibility.
In truth, the cacophony of strife and the ceaseless demands have worn heavily upon my spirit. It is with profound sorrow that I acknowledge the disturbances my actions may have wrought upon your peace and the broader fellowship we cherish. My intent in this missive is not merely to inform but also to seek absolution, albeit through the medium of words.
Our resolve to venture forth stems from a deep-seated desire for respite and the pursuit of a path where our endeavours might contribute more positively to the tapestry of our lives. The call to leave Hârn is an acknowledgment that sometimes, distance is the harbinger of clearer purpose and unburdened intention.
Our journey ahead remains shrouded in uncertainty, yet it is with hope and fortitude we step into this new chapter. Moire’s unwavering support emboldens me, and our collective aspiration is to find a haven where our actions may align more harmoniously with the ideals of peace and growth we both cherish.
I beseech your understanding and grace as I strive towards redemption through the choices that lie before us. Rest assured, upon securing our bearings in this new course, I shall dispatch further correspondences with alacrity to provide updates and seek counsel, for your wisdom remains a guiding star even from afar.
With enduring affection and unwavering respect,
Essryd
Accompanied by Moire, dressed for the occasion, they walk towards Herwig and Ludecke’s business. Essryd harbors hope that one of the brothers might facilitate the letter’s delivery to the Order of the Fuming Gate, ensuring its passage to her uncle. Ludecke graciously accepts this task.
The evening unfolds with warmth and camaraderie, a fitting farewell to friends who have become integral to their journey. The meal—a hearty selection featuring Pie Duck Feet, Pie Hough in robust sauce enhanced by sorrel, complemented by roasted alexanders seasoned simply with lemon—serves as a symbol of shared richness and flavors reflective of their collective experiences.
Accompanied by good wine, Essryd and Moire savor not only the food but also the convivial atmosphere. Their parting promises carry genuine warmth: commitments to maintain correspondence once they settle somewhere, signaling a continuation of bonds forged through trials and triumphs.
Ludecke’s assurance of future letter forwarding underscores an enduring connection, bridging distances with words that will sustain friendships across realms. Thus, as the evening concludes with heartfelt farewells, Essryd and Moire depart.
16 Nólus 720 TR
As Essryd and Moire lead their horses cautiously onto the Karúnè, an unnerving stillness grips Moire, her hand tightening around Essryd’s. Her voice, laced with urgency, cuts through the calm: she has seen this ship before in visions induced by Asîr possession—a blend of past echoes and future forebodings.
Confusion flickers across Essryd’s features as Moire elucidates—her sight extended beyond mere temporal constraints revealed a dire struggle within an impending storm. The specific sails, now bearing the wear of time yet reminiscently torn in her vision, send a chill through both women.
Essryd observes the bead of cold sweat on Moire’s forehead and responds with resolute calm. They agree to prepare meticulously for whatever tempest their fate might unleash, steadfast in their determination to navigate safely to Chélemby within days.
To be continued …
Ahh … I love rolling on the random tables for meals in the Lyonesse book by The Design Mechanism. I hope you are back next week to see what nom noms Essryd and Moire will have.
See you next time!
Sources used:
– HârnMaster Kèthîra (Keléstia Productions Ltd.)
– Jedes by Neil Thompson (https://www.lythia.com/harnworld/settlements/jedes/)
– Lyonesse Core Rulebook (The Design Mechanism)
– The Adventure Crafter (Word Mill Games)
– Mythic GME 2nd Edition (Word Mill Games)
