Greetings and welcome back to part 17. In the last part, Essryd and Moire narrowly escaped a mutiny in the Straits of Sánon and are now on their way into the harbor of Sános. That was the second time that boarding a ship has not always been the best idea for Essryd and her Sidekick Moire.
But without further ado … let’s jump right in!
Scene #50 – The hand that feeds you … is laying on the ground
5 Návek 720 TR
As their vessel glides into Sános harbor, Essryd and Moire find themselves enchanted by the city’s distinct and picturesque allure. Whitewashed houses stand resplendent against the backdrop of terracotta roofs, their walls crafted from radiant stone that seems to absorb the island’s perpetual sunlight. This architectural harmony imparts a sense of timeless elegance, a stark yet harmonious departure from the more varied styles they observed traversing Ázeryàn territories.
The harbor itself is crowned by an impressive temple structure, its grand pillars and expansive roof casting long shadows across the waterfront. This monument serves as both a religious and civic centerpiece, symbolizing Sános’ unique identity within the broader Venârivè culture—a blend of tradition and islander ingenuity evident in every stone and tile.
The transition from continental to insular influences is palpable here: a refinement in design that speaks to the resources and aesthetic priorities of an island civilization. The architecture feels both grounded and aspirational, reflecting a community intimately connected with its environment while reaching for higher spiritual and societal aspirations.
Essryd and Moire absorb this visual symphony as they disembark, each step into Sános promising not just business at the Hlanéndès Bank but also a deeper appreciation of the cultural tapestry that makes this island city a jewel amidst Venârivè’s archipelagic splendor.
In this picturesque harbor, amidst the island’s architectural marvels, a stark reminder of underlying realities presents itself. As Essryd disembarks and feels an unsettling twinge at her hips, she spins to witness a young boy absconding with her purse in one hand and a dagger poised as if in triumph.
Reacting swiftly, she calls for Moire’s attention to the horses while she gives chase, her movements brisk yet calculated. The narrow alleyway swallows the boy, but Essryd’s pursuit is relentless until she finds herself facing not just him but a grim tableau of ragged assailants brandishing weapons with menacing confidence.
The ringleader’s sinister grin and boastful declaration—their “trick” having ensnared her—signal dark intentions. The promise to “play” before selling her into slavery sends a shiver down Essryd’s spine, but it also ignites her steely resolve. Her hand instinctively grips the hilt of her sword as she assesses the encroaching danger.
From behind, two more figures materialize, completing the encirclement with their own menacing weapons at the ready.
Essryd’s quick mental appraisal reveals an opportunity amid apparent peril: while numerically disadvantaged, her opponents’ inferior weaponry and evident lack of combat skill offer a sliver of hope. Her plan crystallizes—create enough commotion for potential assistance to intervene.
As the first assailant lunges with desperate abandon, Essryd employs an unconventional defense, her blade not merely blocking but intercepting the man’s wrist with devastating precision. The severed limb drops with a sickening thud, his scream echoing through the narrow alley—a signal of distress and impending violence.
“Ahh … good girl! We really missed you! Look at him bleeding …”
With a grim yet composed smile, she challenges the remaining assailants, their earlier bravado now wavering under the weight of her decisive action. Caution replaces confidence as three adversaries advance hesitantly.
The ensuing clash is a rapid dance of steel; Essryd’s experience and skill shine starkly against the amateurish strikes of her foes. She parries and counterattacks with calculated efficiency, landing a precise wound on one attacker’s side—a testament to both her prowess and their miscalculation of her resolve.
“What are you waiting for? Kill! Now! Let them pay for their impudence!”
The cries and clashing steel reverberate through Sános’ tranquil veneer, each sound a desperate plea for intervention or a testament to Essryd’s unwavering spirit as she stands firm against this underworld threat.
The intensity of the skirmish stretches over agonizing minutes, each second fraught with danger and the raw energy of combat. Despite her valiant defense, a swift strike catches Essryd’s arm, leaving a shallow but stinging wound—a stark reminder of the peril she navigates.
“Haven’t you missed your blood rushing through your veins like this, child?”
Amidst this melee, the authoritative shouts of imperial guards cut through the chaos like a clarion call. Their demand for cessation and disarmament provides a lifeline as Essryd, her face smeared with blood and battle’s grime, pivots swiftly, ready to fend off any last-ditch assault.
Relief washes over her as she discerns the guards’ presence and their clear intention to restore order. Raising her hands in a non-threatening gesture, Essryd gingerly places her sword on the cobblestones, signaling compliance. The guards, professional and practiced in such scenarios, efficiently apprehend the remaining thugs and Essryd, shepherding them towards an official interrogation.
Despite her earnest attempts to defend herself against unjust accusations within the confines of a small cell, Essryd’s pleas for understanding fall largely on disbelieving ears. The echoing voices in her mind, born from tension and fatigue, amplify her growing sense of frustration.
However, the tide turns as an unfamiliar yet authoritative figure emerges—a man with the unmistakable demeanor of a Chélemby merchant, his presence disrupting the mundane proceedings. He engages in an intense discourse with the guards, his tone suggesting influence or significant interest in Essryd’s fate.
Minutes later, the cell door creaks open, ushering her into freedom albeit under escort. Led to the office room, the sight of Moire behind this enigmatic benefactor brings a fleeting but profound relief to Essryd. Moire’s anxious expression softens into one of cautious optimism upon noticing her companion relatively unharmed and present.
Thóren Pîdra’s introduction as the head of the local Hlanéndès Bank office immediately casts him in a role both significant and potentially protective. He articulates Moire’s account with authority, emphasizing Essryd’s unjust apprehension en route to their business at his establishment. The subtle shift in demeanor among the guards—now tinged with unease as Pîdra alludes to higher authorities like the Praetor of Sános—underscores his considerable influence.
In a swift reversal of fortune, Essryd’s sword is returned, and she is released amid sincere if begrudging expressions of regret from the now visibly nervous guards. Demonstrating diplomatic acumen, Essryd acknowledges their timely intervention in the alleyway, framing the misunderstanding as an unfortunate but resolvable matter. Her gracious demeanor helps bridge any lingering animosity.
Escorted by Thóren Pîdra, they proceed towards the bank, his invitation a promising turn of events that hints at potential support and deeper engagement with local power structures.
Scene #51 – Sános, the last bastion of culture and civilised behaviour
5 Návek 720 TR
The imposing facade of the Hlanéndès Bank belies a bustling interior where accountants, their quills scratching furiously, orchestrate the daily symphony of financial transactions. Thóren Pîdra leads Essryd and Moire through this flurry of activity to his private office—a sanctuary of relative calm amidst the bank’s operational heartbeat.
There, he orders refreshments, a gesture of hospitality that signals more than mere politeness. As they settle, the narrative of their journey unfolds: trials on turbulent seas, encounters with unsavory characters, and now an urgent quest for stability further south.
Pîdra’s reaction is measured yet laden with implicit warnings. Describing southern regions as inhospitable and decadent, he paints a stark contrast to Sános’ purported culture and civility. His words carry the weight of lived experience or perhaps strategic dissuasion, emphasizing not just the potential hostility but the persistent shadow of warfare that cloaks those lands.
Essryd and Moire, their expressions reflecting a blend of apprehension and determination, voice their intent to find peace rather than plunge into another maelstrom. The sage advice from Thóren Pîdra, laced with evident concern for their well-being, resonates deeply. They express gratitude and, in light of the counsel received, commit—at least temporarily—to grounding themselves within Sános’ protective embrace.
Thus, the decision is made: Essryd and Moire will anchor their endeavors here, where the promise of relative safety and a semblance of cultural integrity offer a haven against the unpredictable currents to the south.
Emerging from the Hlanéndès Bank’s imposing structure, Essryd and Moire find themselves in quiet reflection upon Pîdra’s counsel and their recalibrated plans. Recognizing the pragmatic advantage of proximity to such an influential financial institution—essential for accessing and managing their resources—settling near Sános begins to seem not only prudent but advantageous.
Their conversation, imbued with practical considerations, underscores a strategic shift. The decision to establish a base here gains further traction as they discuss the logistical convenience this choice affords, especially in navigating their financial affairs more efficiently.
With renewed purpose, they navigate Sánois’ winding streets towards the stables where Moire had secured their horses. This brief journey through the town serves as an exploratory prelude to their newfound stability; each landmark and bustling market stall becomes a potential resource or ally in their future endeavors on this island. As twilight begins its gentle descent, they seek a suitable shelter for the night.
6 Návek 720 TR
Essryd and Moire return to the Hlanéndès Bank early in the morning. Thóren Pîdra greets their decision warmly, his welcoming demeanor a testament to his genuine interest or perhaps a strategic embrace of potential clients with significant resources.
Their ensuing conversation delves into the intricacies of life on Sános and the broader southern Venârivè. Pîdra elucidates cultural subtleties and social mechanics distinctly different from their northern origins, offering insights that might prove invaluable for their integration and long-term stability here.
When the topic pivots to real estate—specifically a small, manageable estate in close proximity—their hopes meet a pragmatic reality check. Pîdra regretfully informs them of the scarcity of bourgeois estates on the island. While grander villae theoretically offer potential avenues for acquisition, he underscores their rarity and often occupied status, hinting at the necessity of significant influence or exceptional negotiation to secure such properties.
This frank discussion doesn’t dampen their spirits but rather refines their strategy. Understanding the landscape of available real estate in Sános, Essryd and Moire recognize the need to explore alternative routes—perhaps acquiring property through less direct means, leveraging connections like Pîdra’s, or even considering more innovative approaches within this unique social fabric.
As their departure seems imminent, Thóren’s hesitant yet hopeful callback introduces a tantalizing prospect: an abandoned villa in the southeastern coast, a former vineyard with an intriguing but tainted history. He shares rumors of supernatural disturbances—a haunting that has deterred previous attempts at habitation.
Essryd, undeterred by such tales, responds with characteristic resolve and a touch of defiant optimism. Her confident declaration to inspect the estate reflects both her adventurous spirit and pragmatic assessment—dismissing spectral fears as unfounded challenges she is willing to confront.
Moire’s reaction—a blend of shock and silent acquiescence—illustrates an intrinsic understanding of Essryd’s unwavering decisiveness once a course is set. In this moment, the camaraderie between them deepens; Moire, while perhaps initially alarmed by the idea, acknowledges her companion’s fortitude and the unspoken bond that propels them forward, even into uncertain territories.
Despite his reservations—and the evident skepticism tinged with genuine concern for their safety—Thóren Pîdra commits to aiding Essryd and Moire in their audacious endeavor. He undertakes to ascertain the estate’s current status and navigates the bureaucratic waters, promising to liaise with Sános’ Praetor regarding any necessary permissions or negotiations.
This gesture of support, while rooted in practicality and perhaps a measure of personal influence, also speaks volumes about Thóren’s character: a blend of pragmatic caution and respect for their bravery. By extending such assurances, he not only facilitates their quest but also aligns himself as an ally in what may well be a transformative yet perilous venture.
Essryd and Moire leave the bank buoyed by this unexpected advocacy, their path forward illuminated not just by potential opportunity but also reinforced by the promise of Thóren’s influential backing. With his assistance, they advance into the unknown with cautious optimism, prepared to face both spectral whispers and the tangible challenges of establishing a new life at the enigmatic southeastern estate.
To be continued …
That’s it for today! I hope you had fun with this chapter of my solo campaign using HârnMaster: Roleplaying in the World of Kèthîra and the Mythic GME 2nd Edition. Don’t miss the next part where we might meet Essryd and Moire looking for an issue of “VOGUE living” to get inspired by the latest trends in sophisticated home decor.
Sources used:
– HârnMaster Kèthîra (Keléstia Productions Ltd.)
– The Adventure Crafter (Word Mill Games)
– Mythic GME 2nd Edition (Word Mill Games)
