Welcome back to yet another prime number: it’s part 11 of my solo campaign on the Misty Ilse of Hâ.. wait a minute. We are on an island, but it’s not Hârn! It’s Chélemby, and just a stone’s throw away from Venârivè mainland. I was so looking forward to come here.
Let’s see how Essryd and Moire manage the language barrier and what they will say to local mores and fine dining. I am excited, are you?
Scene #33 – Oh captain! My captain!
22 Nólus 720 TR
With the voyage extended by unexpectedly calm winds, the journey towards Chélemby stretches longer than initially anticipated. Nonetheless, Essryd’s pragmatic approach leads to a constructive dialogue with the ship’s pilot about additional costs, ensuring their passage remains secure.
Amidst this sea-bound tranquility, they encounter numerous vessels heading eastward—a testament to thriving maritime trade and distant lands beyond their horizon. The pilot regales them with tales of unfamiliar realms, underscoring the vastness of their world. He sagely recommends procuring a detailed map from Fâlva al Ekàtriása in Chélemby—expensive but renowned for her cartographic prowess, offering maps ranging from intricate inland charts to precise sea routes.
Essryd appreciates this valuable advice, vowing to prioritize a visit to Fâlva’s establishment upon their arrival, eager to augment their geographical knowledge with the finest available resources.
Essryd grows increasingly skeptical about Moire’s ominous vision, viewing it through a lens of possible delusion. Moire’s own behavior—spending considerable time below deck with the horses, reluctant to venture topside—further fuels this perspective in Essryd’s mind.
However, a singular moment pierces the prevailing ambivalence: when called by Essryd to witness a pod of dolphins gracefully accompanying their vessel, Moire emerges, her awe palpable as she observes these marine companions.
As dawn breaks on their sixth day at sea, the pilot announces Chélemby’s imminent arrival by on the next day, casting a hopeful light on their journey’s end. But nature’s unpredictability intervenes; dark clouds amass ominously, portending a storm.
Essryd’s mind flashes to Moire’s foreboding vision—a scenario now seemingly unfolding with alarming reality. As the tempest intensifies, Moire emerges from below deck, her voice battling the howl of the wind, urging Essryd to seek safety within.
With swift resolve, Essryd secures a rope, binding herself and Moire firmly to a sturdy part of the vessel, an act of foresight aimed at preventing any calamitous overboard mishap. Her hand grips her dagger, a precautionary measure in case dire circumstances necessitate decisive action—possibly cutting free if the ship teeters on the brink.
The storm’s fury rages for hours, battering the ship with relentless ferocity. Waves surge and sails strain, yet through sheer fortitude and the pilot’s experienced navigation, the vessel endures. Though bruised by nature’s wrath, it remains afloat—a testament to their readiness and resilience.
With daylight breaking through the dissipating clouds, relief washes over them as they glimpse Chélemby’s silhouette on the horizon.
Scene #34 – Hail to the giver! Guests have come …
23 Nólus 720 TR
With horses unloaded safely in Chélemby’s bustling harbor, Essryd and Moire set forth on their quest for lodgings suited to both human comforts and equestrian needs. The harbor master, ever helpful, recommends the Newgate Inn—famed for its ample stables and a welcoming haven for travelers with steeds.
Their path leads them directly towards this renowned establishment at Chélemby’s western gate. However, as they navigate the labyrinthine streets, Essryd’s keen ear catches mention of Fâlva al Ekàtriása’s shop nearby. Recognizing the strategic importance of acquiring detailed maps before their further adventures unfold, they detour to investigate.
The cartographer’s establishment is an inviting blend of meticulous order and the scent of parchment, where maps of intricate detail await discerning eyes. Fâlva herself, though known for her pricey creations, greets them with professionalism and a palpable passion for geography. Essryd peruses various offerings—sea charts reflecting treacherous currents, inland maps tracing obscure paths through unknown territories.
Essryd’s request for an inland map to the east is met with a deft array of options—maps varying in scale and detail, each tailored to different navigational needs.
The cartographer elucidates her offerings: coarse maps suitable for broad overviews; meticulously detailed charts ideal for precise journeys through intricate terrains. Her guidance, both scholarly and practical, underscores the necessity of knowing one’s destination or purpose before committing to a map’s specificity.
Acknowledging their current ambiguity regarding future destinations, Essryd assures Fâlva that clarity will soon follow. A promise is made: upon solidifying their path, they will return, prepared to acquire the most appropriate map from her esteemed collection.
Navigating Chélemby’s vibrant streets, Essryd encounters a polyglot symphony—the air alive with dialects she had presumed were singularly Hârnic. While a shared linguistic foundation allows basic communication, the mosaic of tongues reveals her long-held assumptions as naive.
This auditory tapestry ignites a sense of disorientation, an epiphany akin to emerging from a secluded childhood into the bustling reality of interconnected worlds. Her initial confidence wanes, replaced by an introspective realization: she has stepped out of the perceived certainties of her past into the broader, more complex fabric of diverse societies.
Stepping into the Newgate Inn, Ghel al Yvârnis’s greeting resonates in a tongue foreign to both Essryd and Moire. Their uncertain expressions elicit a gradual shift towards Hârnic from the innkeeper, who, with an endearing blend of warmth and linguistic trial, conveys his welcome.
His infectious enthusiasm finally breaks through in broken but heartfelt Hârnic phrases, acknowledging their arrival as delightful guests from the Misty Isle. Ghel’s assurances—reinforced by a confident hand slap on the counter—are met with relief and amusement. The stable boys are promptly dispatched to attend their horses, while Ghel personally guides them to an opulent room.
Here, grandeur awaits: a large bed adorned with soft pillows and thick blankets promises unparalleled comfort—a stark contrast from recent accommodations. Essryd and Moire exchange smiles of genuine pleasure, appreciating the unexpected luxury that feels fit for royalty compared to their previous modest lodgings.
Ghel’s query regarding sustenance piques Essryd and Moire’s curiosity as he extols the evening’s culinary delights: Fried Pomegranate and Tart Pike in a mastic-infused piquant sauce, complemented by Roasted Jellyfish with a bean-celery concoction. The descriptions, though exotic, elicit immediate nods of approval, their smiles reflecting genuine anticipation.
With promises to join promptly for dinner after refreshing themselves from the rigors of travel, they retreat to their room. Here, amidst the comforts provided, they cleanse away the journey’s grime and fatigue, readying themselves for an evening in the inn’s convivial atmosphere.
In the common room, a vibrant tapestry unfolds as travelers from diverse origins gather. Essryd and Moire find themselves effortlessly integrated into conversations—some understood through their growing familiarity with Hârnic dialects, others transcending language barriers altogether. The shared warmth of mead lubricates these interactions; laughter and camaraderie flourish, rendering linguistic precision secondary.
Under the dim glow of lanterns and the ambient hum of diverse tongues, Essryd and Moire discover a newfound joy in this international confluence. In the heart of the Newgate Inn, where stories and meads flow freely, they experience not just the nourishment of food but the enrichment of cross-cultural bonds, their horizons expanding with each shared moment and toast to uncharted adventures.
Scene #35 – Money knows how to make your voice heard
24 Nólus 720 TR
Reinvigorated by a hearty breakfast, Essryd and Moire seek Ghel’s guidance for their financial errand at the Hlanéndès Bank. With practiced ease, he provides clear instructions: head east along the street fronting the inn until reaching Vandlåge; from there, a northward turn at a crossroad near the walls of Gámelkîkè into the Jaager Gade. A slight bend in the road signals their destination—the Hlanéndès Bank being the next building on the right.
Essryd commits this route to memory, her mind mapping out every detail as they set off with purposeful strides. The journey through Chélemby’s bustling streets is a blend of anticipation and discovery, each turn affirming Ghel’s directions and marking their passage towards financial security and potential new endeavors. In the morning light, Essryd and Moire traverse this path seamlessly.
Despite the persistent rain, spirits buoyantly high, Essryd and Moire step into the Hlanéndès Bank with resolute optimism. The imposing figure of Ranâld al Hlanéndès greets them with professional courtesy, setting an initial tone of respect.
As they converse amiably, Ranâld’s curiosity shifts to their purpose. Essryd, her voice steady yet touched by a personal gravity, recounts the journey from Rethem on Hârn—her quest driven by the discovery of her father’s bond. She produces the document, laying bare its significance and the weighty responsibility it carries.
Ranâld’s meticulous examination follows—a ritual of verification that hangs momentarily in suspense for Essryd and Moire. The bank master then poses a crucial query regarding identification proof, his eyes lingering on the expectant pair.
Essryd’s unease surfaces briefly as she mentions her sole verification: her father’s sigil ring. This heirloom, emblematic of her lineage and rightful claim, is presented with a blend of pride and apprehension. Ranâld’s careful comparison to records stored within his vault finally results in a nod—a satisfied smile breaking the tension.
With the sigil authenticated, Ranâld extends the bank’s services, formalizing Essryd’s legitimacy and opening pathways for her to access the bond’s promised resources.
As Ranâld’s chalk inscribes the bond’s value onto the stone tablet, Essryd’s eyes widen in astonishment upon reading the figure—a sum of considerable magnitude that momentarily saps her composure. The exchange of glances with Moire is laden with silent communication and shared disbelief.
Regaining equilibrium, she voices her next inquiry with a voice tinged by both opportunity and cautiousness: the possibility of adding substantial funds to this bond for secure keeping. Ranâld’s affirmative nod assures them that such transactions are within the bank’s purview.
With the details arranged for subsequent deposit, Essryd and Moire part ways from Ranâld with newfound purpose. Their brief encounter at the Hlanéndès Bank has not only confirmed their inheritance but also opened a secure conduit for future financial dealings. Strategic wealth management and myriad possibilities awaiting them in Venârivè.
Buoyed by the revelations at the bank, Essryd proposes a celebratory meal at The Driven Nail. Here, they savor an elaborate repast: Boiled Cherimoya and Raw Dogfish in a cardamom-infused aromatic sauce, accompanied by Mashed Beef Tongue in a custard-chervil blend. The culinary indulgence serves as both nourishment and a brief respite for reflection.
Amidst the post-prandial tranquility, Essryd’s euphoria—while tempered to her usual reserved nature—manifests in a rare burst of wanderlust. She envisions continuing their journey, exploring further horizons, and embracing the world’s myriad experiences. Her excitement is palpable yet balanced by Moire’s characteristic contemplative demeanor.
Moire weighs the implications silently before a gentle smile breaks her thoughtful silence—a gesture of agreement that harmonizes with Essryd’s adventurous spirit. In a light-hearted moment, they decide their next move whimsically: pointing blindly on Fâlva al Ekàtriása’s maps to pinpoint their next destination.
With shared resolve and playful camaraderie, they make their way back to the harbor. Their visit to Fâlva is not merely a fulfillment of a promise but a step deeper into the unknown.
The sight upon reaching Fâlva’s workshop abruptly halts their steps—an unsettling tableau of destruction greets them. The once orderly space now lies in disarray: shattered tools, scattered parchment, and signs of forced entry starkly evident. A palpable sense of unease settles as the realization sinks in that Fâlva is nowhere to be found amidst the chaos.
To be continued …
Where is Fâlva al Ekàtriása and who abducted her? I don’t know either, but I am sure that Mythic does! See you next week when we hopefully learn more about her disappearance.
Until next time!
Sources used:
– HârnMaster Kèthîra (Keléstia Productions Ltd.)
– My GM who knows Chélemby like the back of his own hand and provided me with sufficient information.
– Lyonesse Core Rulebook (The Design Mechanism)
– The Adventure Crafter (Word Mill Games)
– Mythic GME 2nd Edition (Word Mill Games)
