This is part thirteen of my HârnMaster solo campaign, which is now not longer restricted to Hârn but to the whole of Venârivè. I don’t really know how far south the two protagonists are going to travel, but I feel the fact is quite amusing that very much like Twoflower was on the Discworld, Essryd and Moire are the first tourists in Venârivè.
I made use of the HMK rules for learning additional languages in the following Intermezzo because I thought that it would be a nice touch to learn the local languge … not just because it would be very tedious to work around with hands and feet, or to prend that there is no language barrier for the two. Tutoring it is then!
Intermezzo – With languages you are at home anywhere
The passage of three months sees Essryd and Moire comfortably entrenched within Chélemby’s embrace, their days a harmonious blend of exploration and enrichment. Each visit with Fâlva strengthens their burgeoning friendship while affording them insights into her meticulous cartographic work—a process they follow with genuine interest.
Beyond their interactions with Fâlva, the duo immerse themselves in Chélemby’s cultural rhythms—each day a new chapter of discovery. They navigate the city’s bustling marketplaces, engage in lively discussions, and attend local gatherings, gradually shedding any remnants of linguistic barriers. Their commitment to mastering the local language becomes both an education in itself and a bridge to deeper understanding.
A fortuitous encounter with a scholarly sage proves pivotal; his teachings elevate their language skills from practical fluency to a refined proficiency. This erudite mentor goes further, presenting them with a remarkable innovation: a pictorial lexicon—a compact book adorned with vivid illustrations representing common phrases, objects, and subjects. This visual almanac serves as an invaluable tool, transcending spoken barriers; it becomes their silent ambassador in places where words fail.
23 Laránè 720 TR
In the hushed light of dawn, Moire’s enthusiasm breaks through the tranquil morning as she approaches Essryd, a small bundle clutched eagerly in hand. With a heartfelt expression, she presents her gift, marking the occasion of Essryd’s birthday—a date etched indelibly in her memory from their shared past on Nurien Keep.
Her earnest admission—the reminder and the effort to uphold this cherished tradition—brings a warm blush to Essryd’s cheeks. She gratefully accepts the present, her eyes reflecting genuine appreciation for Moire’s thoughtfulness.
As she carefully unwraps the bundle, Essryd’s fingers brush against the exquisite craftsmanship of a nightgown fashioned from dark silk, adorned with intricate embroidery that speaks volumes of Moire’s meticulous handiwork. The sight of her name, delicately stitched into the fabric, elicits a surge of emotions—surprise mingled with profound gratitude. Moire’s pride is evident as she shares the labor of love behind this creation.
Scene #39 – Start spreading the news, we’re leaving today …
10 Azúra 720 TR
Amidst the convivial hum of the Newgate Inn’s common room, an unexpected interruption—a young messenger bursts in with a declaration that draws Essryd’s attention. She identifies herself, her acknowledgment met by the boy’s earnest approach.
With respectful formality, he delivers Fâlva’s message: the eagerly awaited map is complete and ready for collection. A penny finds its way into his eager hand as thanks, signaling the end of their transactional exchange. Essryd’s gratitude is evident, a brief yet meaningful interaction that highlights the collaborative spirit guiding their recent endeavors.
Their meal concluded, Essryd and Moire set forth towards Chélemby’s harbor district—a brisk walk filled with anticipation for this concluding chapter in Fâlva’s labor of love. The journey through familiar streets carries with it an undercurrent of accomplishment; soon they stand before her doorstep, ready to receive the fruits of Fâlva’s skill and dedication.
Fâlva’s greeting is warm, her eyes reflecting genuine pleasure in welcoming Essryd and Moire to her workshop. With ceremonious grace, she unveils the culmination of her efforts—a sprawling map laid out before them with meticulous care.
Her pride shines as she describes it not just as a cartographic artifact but perhaps one of her finest creations. She elucidates her methodology: regions where Fâlva’s knowledge is most profound are rendered with intricate detail, forming a dense tapestry of roads and landmarks, while lesser-known areas taper into broader strokes, maintaining clarity even in uncertainty.
Her hand sweeps across the southeastern part, marked by an extensive network of pathways—a testament to her familiarity and thoroughness. Yet, with pragmatic insight, she advises against overland travel here, emphasizing maritime routes as the prudent choice for such ventures.
Moire’s resolute declaration—a refusal to again set foot on a vessel—resonates with unwavering determination born from past tribulations. Fâlva listens attentively, her respect for their autonomy evident; she adjusts her counsel, ready to offer alternative insights or support tailored to their unyielding path.
An undercurrent of sadness tinges Fâlva’s inquiry as she acknowledges that their time in Chélemby draws to a close with the map’s completion. Both Essryd and Moire express their gratitude and affirm their imminent departure, the next chapter of their journey now firmly mapped.
Essryd’s promise to chronicle their travels—a detailed journal destined for Fâlva—serves as a bridge across distances yet to be traversed, a testament to the enduring connection they share. It’s a gesture that speaks volumes; Essryd values not just Fâlva’s craftsmanship but her role in guiding them towards new horizons.
Turning to Moire, Essryd’s query about honoring the map’s intricate details by venturing into the southeast meets with enthusiastic agreement—a shared resolve to explore and respect the regions meticulously charted. Their mutual nod seals their decision, blending reverence for Fâlva’s work with the thrill of uncharted adventure. Farewells are exchanged, each word laden with sincere wishes and promises kept.
With their preparations finalized and goodbyes tenderly offered, Essryd and Moire set forth from the Newgate Inn, leaving behind a community touched by their presence. Ghel al Yvârnis’s heartfelt wishes accompany them—a reminder of the warmth and support they’ve encountered.
As they gather their belongings and ready their horses for departure, a poignant mix of excitement and solemnity marks their steps towards the harbor. Moire’s trepidation is palpable; her steadfast refusal to board another vessel now faces the practical necessity of leaving Chélemby’s island confines. Yet, a collective resolve strengthens her as they step onto the ferry destined for Tûresgal on the mainland in the Kingdom of Shôrkýnè.
In the quiet solitude of their journey aboard the ferry, a private dialogue unfolds between Essryd and Moire—a rare moment of introspection amidst the vast expanse of the Gulf of Shôrkýnè.
Essryd’s admission reveals her emerging self-awareness; she confides in the gradual silencing of tormenting voices since their flight together, finding solace in companionship and shared purpose. With a cautious optimism, she hopes this newfound peace persists, acknowledging an occasional whisper—a guidance that, unlike past tumults, steers her towards beneficial actions.
Curiosity piques as Essryd wonders aloud about the nature of this enigmatic inner voice, musing it might be the call of a hitherto unknown divine figure. Moire’s noncommittal shrug reflects her own uncertainty but also an open-minded readiness to consider unexplored possibilities.
The name “The Player” emerges—an identity shrouded in mystery and hinting at forces beyond their familiar pantheons. Both women, enveloped in the endless sea’s reflection, ponder this cryptic moniker—a potential guide or a new facet of their intertwined destinies.
Scene #40 – The tale of Aléana and Thalor
16 Azúra 720 TR
As they disembark at Tûresgal with practiced efficiency, Essryd and Moire unload their horses, their methodical approach honed from months of travel. The balance of weight—once a challenge—now comes naturally to them, ensuring their steeds are neither overburdened nor underprepared.
The morning greets them with a soft fog lifting gently above the harbor, promising a pleasant autumn day ahead. Stocking provisions becomes their first priority; they procure fresh rations and refill waterskins, mindful of their upcoming journey to Netèla.
Essryd, ever attentive to their route, consults the map—a trusty companion in this venture. The distance to Netèla appears manageable: approximately twenty leagues through roads reputed for their quality. This knowledge bolsters their spirits as they envision a timely arrival by evening, underlining the efficacy of Fâlva’s meticulous cartography.
Thus equipped and informed, Essryd and Moire set forth from Tûresgal. The ahead road promises both physical challenge and scenic reward, mirroring the blend of pragmatism and adventure that defines their journey.
As their journey commences with high spirits, the initial leg along a tranquil river offers picturesque accompaniment to their travel. However, the serenity is abruptly disrupted when ominous weather shifts signal an impending tempest.
Essryd’s keen observation identifies a dilapidated structure at the roadside—an overgrown relic of bygone days, its crumbled walls and remnants of roof offering a precarious yet immediate refuge. Without hesitation, she suggests seeking cover within this forlorn shelter, recognizing the storm’s gathering ferocity.
The duo swiftly leads their horses into the partially intact building, creating a makeshift sanctuary just as torrents of rain and the growling symphony of thunder begin to dominate the landscape outside. The once-peaceful journey transforms into an ordeal of resilience, with nature’s raw power underscoring their vulnerability.
The eerie serenity within the ruined building is shattered as Moire, seated on what might have once served as a door frame or arch, suddenly leaps up with an alarmed cry. Her discovery—a fragment of a skull—quickly draws Essryd’s immediate attention.
With careful yet determined movements, Essryd begins to unearth the remnants buried beneath years of neglect and debris. The outline of a complete skeleton slowly emerges, its tragic posture suggesting it met its end under the very stone Moire sat upon. This poignant revelation stirs a solemn respect for the past’s silent witness.
In her delicate excavation, Essryd’s fingers encounter resistance—something clasped within the skeletal hand’s bony grip. With cautious persistence, she gently disentangles a rolled-up scroll, its ancient parchment preserved despite centuries of dormancy. This relic, likely over two hundred years old, holds the promise of whispered secrets from an era long past, now entrusted to their hands.
My Dearest Thalor,
In the ancient whisperings of yon crumbling ruins where our fates briefly entwined beneath the canopy of stars, my heart doth yearn with an unspoken fervour that defies the enmity betwixt our houses.
As twilight cloaks the land and shadows lengthen towards midnight’s embrace, I beseech thee to hold steadfast thy noble patience. Let us rendezvous at the very heart of those hallowed stones, where our clandestine love hath found sanctuary amidst timeworn relics.
When the clock strikes twelve with its silent decree, let our spirits, as free as the night wind, converge and flee from these constraining shadows. Together, under the watchful moon, we shall forge a path untouched by the feuds of yore, seeking solace in each other’s embrace.
In this solemn vow, I entrust my very soul to thy care, praying that fate grants us the courage to elude the chains of our lineage and find a haven where love alone reigneth supreme.
Until midnight’s call doth unite us, I remain thine devoted,
Aléana
In a moment of quiet reflection, Essryd’s musings about the skeleton’s identity drift into the air—a speculative whisper directed more to herself than her companion. The notion that this could be Thalor or Aléana, figures lost to time, underscores their shared historical and emotional context.
Moire’s response is one of empathetic sorrow; the skeletal remains evoke a deep sense of empathy for an unknown individual’s tragic fate. Essryd’s discovery of a sigil ring—a personal artifact—on the hand only reinforces this connection to a once-living soul, now silenced but not forgotten.
As Essryd’s exploration of the ruin deepens, she summons Moire, bracing her for another unsettling revelation. Her words are barely out when a sharp gasp from Moire signals yet another macabre discovery.
Against an ancient wall lies another skeleton, remnants of luxurious silk and brocade clinging tenuously to its form—a poignant testament to bygone elegance now intertwined with sorrowful decay. A delicate chain still graces what once would have been a graceful décolleté, a medallion hanging as silent witness.
Essryd’s keen deduction—backed by the presence of a small dagger in the skeleton’s hand and the suggestive attire—leads her to conclude that this is indeed Aléana. The tragic scene unfolds: a woman driven to an irreversible end after finding her companion, Thalor, crushed beneath a collapsed wall.
The weight of history and sorrow settles heavily upon them as Essryd outlines her theory—a narrative of love, loss, and the heartbreaking finality of Aléana’s despair. These bones are not merely remains but silent narrators of a tragic tale.
In the solemn aftermath of their grim discovery, Essryd, with a rare but resolute tone, declares that it is fitting to provide Aléana and Thalor a proper burial. Her reasoning stems from respect for life’s end and a recognition that not all traditions require cremation; for these lost souls, earth might offer solace in the absence of ancestral rites.
Moire, her eyes shimmering with tears, acknowledges Essryd’s unexpected empathy—an attribute often masked by her pragmatic demeanor. This moment of vulnerability reveals an unseen depth in their relationship, fostering a renewed sense of camaraderie.
With practical efficiency, Essryd retrieves a small shovel from her horse, the recent rain having softened the ground sufficiently for their task. They work together to dig a modest grave, their movements methodical yet reverent as they lay the skeletal remains to rest. The earth swallows their sorrow, creating a final resting place where history and empathy converge.
As the grave is filled, Essryd selects a sturdy branch from a nearby tree and crafts an impromptu marker. She strings the sigil ring onto the chain retrieved earlier, symbolically binding these fragments of the past to a newfound reverence for the departed. The branch stands as a quiet sentinel over their makeshift grave—a silent guardian echoing the respect they have bestowed upon Aléana and Thalor, whose story, once forgotten, now resides gently in memory.
Scene #41 – The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar
16 Azúra 720 TR
With their duties to the deceased fulfilled, Essryd and Moire resume their journey towards Netéla, the weight of recent discoveries tempering their pace but not diminishing their resolve.
As they traverse the road, a commotion disrupts the tranquility ahead: shouts and the unmistakable urgency in two men’s hurried sprint draw immediate attention. Both appear harried, frequently glancing back as if pursued by unseen adversaries. Essryd’s keen eyes track their retreat until they disappear into the forest’s embrace.
Shortly thereafter, a cohort of riders gallops by, their expressions a mix of frustration and determination. They query whether Essryd and Moire encountered the fleeing duo, to which Essryd offers a truthful yet non-committal reply—observers rather than participants in this unfolding chase. The riders, unsatisfied but undeterred, spur their mounts onward into the depths of the woodland, leaving Essryd and Moire to ponder briefly upon the enigmatic circumstances before allowing their focus to return unwaveringly towards their destination.
Upon reaching Netéla, Essryd and Moire execute their well-honed routine with practiced efficiency—securing lodging, replenishing supplies, and seeking sustenance in the town’s lively taproom. Over a hearty meal, they shift into strategic mode, spreading Fâlva’s intricate map upon their table.
Together, they chart a southerly route that promises to balance distance and terrain effectively before winter tightens its grip. Their plan converges on Quârelin as the first significant stop, followed by traversing through Móntevel and Engraritáne en route to Vegúsa. This itinerary ingeniously skirts the fringes of both the Jerinálian and Nadámi mountain ranges, reducing unnecessary elevation gain while capitalizing on well-traversed routes.
With the map’s guidance and the reassurance of a paved road aligning with the Qantérè and Staf rivers, Essryd and Moire feel a renewed sense of purpose. Their course is clear, leveraging natural landmarks and established paths to ensure smooth progress. This meticulous planning not only underscores their shared expertise but also solidifies their commitment to reach Vegúsa before winter’s encroaching frost threatens their journey.
17 Azúra 720 TR
As dawn’s first light filters through the mist in Netéla, Essryd and Moire rise from their modest hostel accommodations to face another day’s travel with a robust breakfast fortifying them. With an air of practical preparation, Essryd remarks on the imminent transition to cooler weather, hinting at the necessity of shedding lighter summer garments for more substantial clothing suited to the encroaching chill.
Fortunately, the foresight from their departure from Nurien grants them the luxury of heavy cloaks—essential armor against the advancing cold. Enveloped in these protective layers, they embark on the Alagon road towards Quârelin.
Their strategy remains adaptable; while striving to reach Quârelin at a good pace, they acknowledge the potential for unforeseen delays. Accordingly, planned campsites along the route stand ready as interim havens, ensuring their journey remains balanced between ambition and prudence. Thus cloaked against the elements both physical and temporal, Essryd and Moire set forth.
Fortune indeed favors them, as Moire’s adept tracking and navigation skills enable Essryd and her to cover nearly half the distance to Quârelin by midday, their pace efficient and purposeful.
However, fate momentarily intervenes when Essryd’s horse loses a horseshoe, necessitating immediate action to prevent further injury. This setback prompts them to continue on foot.
Seeking respite and practicality, they opt for a nearby camp—a prudent choice given the circumstances. Here, they find solace in restful preparation, ensuring Essryd’s horse is properly attended to while savoring a moment of reprieve before the next phase of their odyssey towards Quârelin.
18 Azúra 720 TR
Undeterred by the previous day’s challenge, Essryd and Moire resume their journey to Quârelin with renewed vigor and purposeful strides. Upon reaching the imposing city walls, they promptly engage a gate guard for directions to a skilled blacksmith capable of addressing their horse’s predicament.
With their steed entrusted to the blacksmith’s hands along with an attentive ostler, Essryd and Moire venture into Quârelin’s inviting streets. The grandeur of this royal seat becomes immediately evident; the city exudes a refined elegance markedly distinct from any they had previously encountered, including Rethem’s own regal allure.
Essryd, absorbing the opulence around her, acknowledges an undeniable shift in atmosphere. Streets here are meticulously maintained, radiating cleanliness and order, while the ambience brims with a vivacious charm and refined courtesy that bespeak of Quârelin’s esteemed status as the King’s seat.
This unparalleled beauty and vibrancy prompt them to extend their stay for one or two days. Securing an elegant room in a reputable inn, they ensure their horses receive appropriate care at the connected ostler. Eager to immerse themselves fully into Quârelin’s vibrant tapestry, both women don their finest attire, stepping out as if to join the city’s spirited heartbeat.
The night unfolds with an enchanting array of entertainments—musicians strumming lively tunes, laughter echoing from tavern corners, and the city’s pulse resonating in every corner. Essryd and Moire revel in this transient haven of culture and grace, savoring a brief respite before their southward journey resumes.
To be continued …
That’s it for today. I hope to see you in the next part of my solo campaing in Venârivè.
See you soon!
Sources used:
– HârnMaster Kèthîra (Keléstia Productions Ltd.)
– Mythic GME 2nd Edition (Word Mill Games)
