Welcome to part fourteen of the House Gehwær solo campaign. Since we left the Kingdom of Shôrkýnè, Essryd and Moire are heading south and are entering the Kingdom of Tríerzòn. A few weeks ago, I wrote a python script, which later became an Obsidian.md plugin, for generating the weather for my campaign. And surprise: we have snow and weather hazards on the last legs in this climate zone. Let’s hope for the best and better weather the coming days, and jump right in.
Scene #42 – From green fields to snow-covered mountain passes
21 Azúra 720 TR
Having found brief respite in Móntevel, Essryd and Moire press onward, crossing into Kingdom of Tríerzòn by midday with an unexpected bite in the air. The onset of early snowfall adds a chill to the journey, prompting them to don their heavy cloaks for added protection against the freezing breeze that now accompanies their travels.
Guided by natural landmarks, they navigate past the imposing Jerinálian Mountains to the west and skirt the formidable Nadámi range to the east. As the path meanders closer to civilization’s core, the Staf River becomes a steadfast companion, destined to morph into the Gadén as their journey progresses.
This riverside guide offers invaluable orientation for the ensuing days, promising a reliable landmark in an otherwise expansive landscape. With the river’s presence assuring them of their course, Essryd and Moire press forward with renewed confidence.
As the day wanes into twilight, Essryd and Moire arrive at the bustling metropolis of Engraritáne, a vibrant hub where commerce thrives and life pulses with industrious energy. The city’s vast array of merchants, animated markets, and well-appointed inns serves as an ideal respite for travelers like them.
Seizing this urban haven, they prioritize replenishing their dwindling provisions and ensuring their horses remain in prime condition. A thorough inspection of their gear follows, each item receiving attention to maintain readiness for the journey ahead.
Navigating a modest wooden bridge over a meandering creek, an unexpected fright grips Moire’s horse, causing it to rear violently. The abrupt chaos leads to half their supplies plunging into the frigid waters below, necessitating an unplanned detour to Vegúsa situated along the Gadén River for essential replenishment.
This unforeseen setback imposes a delay on their progress but pragmatism guides their decision to halt in Vegúsa for the night. As they enter this riverside settlement, the daily rhythms of its inhabitants unfold before them—unfree cottagers tending livestock with practiced efficiency, and a clergy engaged in earnest discussion with a market merchant.
The merchant, hurriedly closing his stall as twilight deepens, faces scrutiny over allegations regarding the purity of his wares, prompting an exchange laden with ethical gravity. This scene, though incidental to their primary concerns, offers Essryd and Moire a glimpse into Vegúsa’s local dynamics—reminders that within every stop on their journey, stories of morality, commerce, and community quietly interweave.
Scene #43 – It never troubles the wolf how many the sheep may be
22 Azúra 720 RT
The journey from Vegúsa to Ílbris becomes arduous under relentless downpours, transforming once navigable roads into treacherous muddy paths that impede both horse and rider’s advance. This natural impediment forces Essryd and Moire to establish a makeshift camp thirteen leagues shy of their intended destination.
With practical foresight, Essryd volunteers for the first watch, urging Moire to rest and regain strength through sleep. Once they switch roles, ensuring mutual vigilance, they prepare a hearty meal from their stockpile, its warmth and sustenance proving invaluable in the damp chill. A robust fire serves dual purposes: providing security against nocturnal hazards and offering the comforting embrace of heat. In this temporary refuge, Essryd and Moire demonstrate resilience, their campfire symbolizing both physical comfort and unwavering determination as they navigate the trials en route to Ílbris.
During Essryd’s watch, the night remains undisturbed by any immediate threats, allowing her vigilance to stretch unbroken into the deeper hours of darkness.
As Moire takes her turn, an eerie crackling from the underbrush jolts her senses alert. Her mind races through possibilities—wolves? The earlier howl replays in memory, heightening apprehension. Gripping her dagger with a steady hand, she readies herself for whatever may emerge. A lone wolf steps forth, its yellow eyes locking onto hers with an unsettling intensity. The animal’s neck fur bristles, and a dark growl reverberates through the still air.
Moire must summon every ounce of composure to stave off panic. She attempts to rouse Essryd softly, mindful not to provoke the predator further. Yet the urgency of their shared predicament is palpable; an icy tension hangs in the night’s breath. In a heartbeat, the wolf lunges—its snarl tearing through the silence as it advances menacingly towards her.
With instinctive swiftness, Moire thrusts her blade into the wolf’s chest cavity—a strike that finds its mark but fails to quell the creature’s ferocity. Instead, the wounded animal thrashes more violently, driven by primal pain.
The commotion jolts Essryd awake; she springs from her repose with a warrior’s immediacy, eyes locking onto the peril facing Moire. The wolf’s jaws clamp down on Moire’s guiding arm, its teeth piercing flesh in a vicious hold. Moire’s scream pierces the night, reverberating through their temporary camp as she drops the dagger, now rendered useless in her grasp of agony.
Essryd wastes no time, rushing to intervene with whatever means are at hand to sever this deadly embrace and protect her companion from further harm.
You promised to keep her safe! It was a lie! You can not even keep yourself safe! Stupid girl.
With fierce determination, Essryd’s shouts to unseen voices merge into a visceral cry for control amid the struggle. She relentlessly strikes the wolf, each blow aimed with precise intent until the creature finally succumbs beneath her onslaught. However, the macabre sight of its lifeless jaws still gripping Moire’s arm arrests Essryd’s fervor.
Moire’s pained plea halts her momentarily, and Essryd quickly assesses the grim tableau. Grasping Moire’s own dagger, she leverages every ounce of strength to pry open the wolf’s jaw—a grueling task that finally frees Moire from its lethal grip.
Examining the wound, Essryd’s practical instincts take precedence over shock or fear. She succinctly states their immediate course: they must press onward without delay, seeking medical aid as swiftly as their journey allows. The gravity of the injury underscores her urgency; survival now hinges on timely intervention and unwavering resolve.
With an air of grim determination, Essryd and Moire pack their belongings hastily, leaving behind the harrowing scene of their impromptu camp. In the dim light of torches casting elongated shadows on their path, they press forward with renewed urgency toward Ílbris.
Their arrival in the early dawn hours finds Essryd swiftly orchestrating a physician’s aid for Moire’s grievous wounds. As medics attend to her injuries with professional care, Essryd turns her focus inward, securing lodgings at a nearby inn. She meticulously arranges for an extended stay—an essential sanctuary allowing Moire the necessary time and comfort to heal.
Scene #44 – A physicians healing hands
24 Azúra 720 TR
In compliance with the physician’s directives, Essryd diligently administers twice-daily cleanings and bandaging of Moire’s wounds, a task performed with unwavering care and precision. These moments of medical attention are punctuated by occasional respites, allowing Essryd to venture beyond their room and explore Ílbris while Moire rests.
Her forays into the town reveal layers of local lore and practical insights crucial for their onward journey. Among notable findings, Essryd learns of Pêrna—a venerated city dedicated to Peoni, the revered goddess of agriculture and healing in Venârivè’s pantheon. This sanctuary not only serves as a spiritual center but also houses the pontificate governing the region’s religious affairs.
Courteously engaging with the local clergy, Essryd listens intently, though she refrains from divulging her personal allegiance to Agrik—a deity whose influence she once felt deeply but now seems increasingly distant. Her internal contemplation unveils a subtle yet profound shift: as days pass on their journey, the weight of Agrik’s command over her thoughts appears lighter, freeing Essryd in ways she hadn’t anticipated.
This realization offers a quiet introspection—a potential transformation within her faith’s grasp or perhaps a broader evolution towards a more balanced spiritual existence.
In the quiet moments of her vigilance over Moire’s recovery, Essryd recalls a poignant detail—Moire’s upcoming birthday on 9 Halánè. Her mind lingers on finding a meaningful gift that resonates deeply with her friend.
Recalling Moire’s cherished boar effigy—a delicate carving from bone, once gifted by her father—the idea crystallizes. Essryd envisions immortalizing this treasured keepsake in gold, creating a necklace where the effigy can be securely attached. This transformation from humble bone to resplendent gold symbolizes not just preservation but an elevation of Moire’s fond memory.
With careful planning and a touch of secrecy, Essryd waits for Moire to drift into sleep before discreetly retrieving the boar figurine. She then visits a trusted goldsmith in Ílbris, previously identified during her exploratory walks. The artisan meticulously measures and records the effigy’s dimensions, promising a necklace that will both protect and celebrate this sentimental piece.
Once satisfied with the arrangement, Essryd returns the boar to its resting place within Moire’s belongings, unseen and undisturbed. This act of thoughtful preparation embodies Essryd’s silent dedication—to honor their shared journey with gestures of enduring significance and affection.
29 Azúra 720 TR
As Moire regains sufficient strength, her own determination aligns with Essryd’s cautious optimism, affirming their readiness to resume their journey. The physician’s reassurances, coupled with the absence of a far worse infection, bolster their spirits. He provides specific instructions for an antimicrobial balm, promising it will aid in complete healing and prevent further complications.
Essryd conveys their imminent departure from Ílbris to Moire, scheduling one last visit to collect the vital balm. En route to the physician’s chamber, she detours to reclaim the goldsmith’s work—Moire’s new necklace now gleaming with a promise of remembrance.
With the golden effigy safely secured, Essryd expresses heartfelt gratitude to the physician for his expert care and attentive service. Her farewell is both respectful and sincere, reflecting the deep appreciation she holds for the professional who helped safeguard Moire’s well-being.
To be continued …
And it is Moire again. But hey, I think she managed the wolf quite bravely … even though Essryd did the finishing move. You cannot really call it a coup de grâce but more a coup de rage?!
That’s it for today … see you soon!
Sources used:
– HârnMaster Kèthîra (Keléstia Productions Ltd.)
– Venârivè – Northwestern Lýthia (Keléstia Productions Ltd.)
– Mythic GME 2nd Edition (Word Mill Games)
