Raise your horns to Essryd as we approach part 6 of her adventures in the Kingdom of Rethem. After she decreased the maintenance costs for the household of Sigeric by executing his sorry excuse of a son, Essryd is now preparing her next step to get revenge.
In addition to my house rules I introduced in the last part of the campaign, I came to the conclusion that it would be a nice touch to include Moire in the calculation. The Mythic oracle decides on a regular basis that she is a vital part of the story and that almost always when she is included, the intention of Essryd is inverted or her reactions are attenuated. So always when Moire is in close vincinity, the scene’s chaos factor for calculating the EML of Essryds WIL check will be temporary decreased by two. That means, is Moire present in a scene with CF 7 and Essryd is close to snapping, the WIL check is not hindered by 21% but 15%. I think that gives Moire a nice mechanic.
WARNING: The following part of the campaign features violent and bloody scenes. Please be aware that it is not suitable for minors.
Scene #17 – Attack is the secret of defense …
18 Peónu TR 720
The air is crisp but clear as Essryd strides from the main keep toward the village’s humble temple dedicated to Agrik, Emperor of the Flame. Here, Iorwerth Mabbet, the local priest, awaits to conduct the solemn Low Ceremony of the Balefire.
A staunch devotee of Agrik, Essryd harbors a longstanding inclination toward clerical or martial service akin to her uncle Ynyr’s path. This aspiration, nurtured since her youth, now finds expression in the ceremonial duties and the solemnity that precedes her next moves in the unfolding vendetta.
As the Low Mass commences, Essryd’s voice melds with the Surikal chants intoned by Iorwerth. Her eyes are closed in meditative focus as she absorbs the purifying aroma of burning sulphur following her ablution with powdered lava.
Iorwerth often extolled her unwavering devotion and zeal to honor Agrik, the immortal warlord of Balgashang, encouraging her fervent expression of anger—a stance that contrasted with her parents’ more tempered guidance aimed at curbing her violent inclinations. Nonetheless, Essryd’s spiritual resolve remains steadfast, rooted in the dual influences of fervid faith and controlled fury.
Unbeknownst to the participants, including the meditative Essryd, a cloaked person deftly navigates towards them, mimicking prayerful gestures to mask their approach.
Caught off guard by a fleeting motion behind her, it is too late for Essryd to react as the hooded attacker strikes with lethal precision, a blade piercing into her side.
Essryd’s scream pierces the sacred air, her hand instinctively clutching her wounded side. Fortunately, the blade is deflected by a rib, resulting in a superficial but painful injury. Using her agility, she rolls away just as her attacker attempts another strike.
The commotion draws immediate attention; dampened shouts herald Segric Gllâome’s approach with his armed subordinates. Their arrival halts the assailant’s advance, the scene shifting rapidly towards a confrontation.
The assailant, sensing the tightening net of guards, makes a desperate bid to flee. However, the combined force proves overwhelming; after a brief but decisive chase, they are apprehended.
Segric’s command is unequivocal: secure the attacker for thorough interrogation.
Preece Evrawg swiftly attends to Essryd’s side, signaling the need for immediate care. She is carefully lifted and transported towards his dwelling, surrounded by vigilant guards.
Iorweth, walking alongside and murmuring prayers, evokes a remark from Edryd Swavely, the steward, noting dryly but snarky that funeral prayers might be somewhat premature given Essryd’s current survival.
With meticulous care, Preece cleanses and sutures Essryd’s wound, applying bandages after thorough irrigation with hot water. He reassures her that the scar will be minor. Despite her attempt to rise, the guards, following Preece’s instruction, gently restrain her.
Edryd’s voice interjects pragmatically, urging patience: now is not the hour for valor; she must prioritize rest.
As Essryd is conveyed to her chambers by the guards, domestic slaves receive instructions to ready all necessary amenities for her comfort.
With resolute intent, Essryd summons Segric, voicing her determination to witness the interrogation of the attacker, underscoring her unwavering resolve amidst her physical recovery.
From her bed, Essryd observes Moire’s approach with an air of dutiful attendance. The servant explains that they have organized shifts for her care, with her taking the first watch.
As Moire hesitates near a stool in the corner, Essryd grants her permission to sit and gestures towards some fruits, offering her a brief respite.
Curiosity piqued, Essryd inquires about Moire’s heritage, surmising a Kath barbarian lineage from the eastern reaches of Hârn. Moire nods shyly in confirmation.
Recalling her youthful arrival into House Gehwær at around four or five years old, Essryd estimates that Moire is now likely in her late teens to early twenties—a notion Moire confirms.
A brief silence fills the room before Essryd notes her late mother’s esteem for Moire. In response, Moire tenderly acknowledges her former mistress’s kindness and expresses sorrow over her passing, eliciting a gentle smile from Essryd.
Scene #18 – … while defense is the planning of an attack …
20 Peónu TR 720
Emerging from slumber, Essryd notices Liflour, a 14-year-old domestic slave from Kanday, attentively standing by. As she stirs, Liflour approaches promptly, inquiring if any assistance is needed.
Essryd reassures her, noting that the wound appears to have healed well and she feels improved. With gratitude, Essryd allows Liflour’s aid in dressing, appreciating the girl’s diligent service.
Descending the stairs, Essryd strides into the courtyard, her purpose evident. She queries nearby guards regarding the interrogation of their captive.
The guard informs her that the attacker remains imprisoned under constant vigilance, per Segric’s directive, awaiting Essryd’s recovery as requested. Affirming this with a nod, she continues her search for Segric Gllâome. Rapidly locating him near the guard house, Essryd greets him warmly. His relief at seeing her in good condition is palpable.
Segric suggests commencing the interrogation immediately, to which Essryd readily agrees. They proceed to the darkened prison cell, where a flickering candle casts sparse light. The attacker sits on a humble bed of hay, lifting his gaze as Essryd enters, an unspoken challenge evident in his eyes.
With determined strides, Essryd approaches the prisoner, hunkers down before him. She demands his identity, but the captive offers only silence. Essryd’s frustration mounts with each unanswered query, her annoyance palpable.
Confronting Segric, Essryd suggests more rigorous interrogation methods. With a decisive motion, she delivers a forceful kick with her heavy riding boots against the prisoner’s head. Again hunkered before him, her tone now bristling with menace, she repeats her demand for his identity. However, the man remains steadfast in his silence.
Her grip tightens on his hair, pulling his head painfully back, Essryd leans close to his face, issuing a chilling ultimatum: speak now, or the next summons will come under the duress of torture.
With a tone of reluctant compliance, the prisoner reveals his name as Huorholt of Hersel. Yet, when questioned about who orchestrated the assassination attempt, Huorholt falls silent once more.
Essryd, still crouched before him, gestures with a subtle shrug to Segric, signaling her perplexity at how to proceed kindly. Facing Huorholt again, she withdraws her dagger, lightly pressing its point against her fingertip with a menacing smile.
A sudden, piercing scream reverberates across Nurien Keep’s central courtyard, momentarily halting passersby before they resume their paths.
Essryd addresses Huorholt with a calm threat: “one of two”, and queries again about the instigators. He remains obstinately silent. A second scream follows, echoing through the keep.
Standing tall, Essryd directs Segric that further interrogation appears futile but speculates aloud the name Sigeric Carucenus as the potential contractor. As she utters this, a subtle jolt passes through Huorholt’s frame; however, Essryd cannot ascertain whether it stems from pain or her revelation.
With unyielding resolve, Essryd instructs Segric to inform Priest Iorwerth Mabbet that Huorholt will serve as an offering to Agrik at the next High Mass. Segric confirms her command, and together they exit the cell, leaving a blind, screaming Huorholt in their wake.
Scene #19 – … and plans are worthless without their execution
3 Kelén TR 720
With the second month’s end nearing since her family’s passing, Essryd steels herself for the next phase of her vengeance.
Reflecting that today marks the departure of Philiberthe Faulconbridge, daughter to Sigeric Carucenus, she selects a lavish yet functional riding dress. Her inquiries have disclosed Philiberthe’s passion for equestrian pursuits in Techen’s local woods—a ritualized daily ride. Essryd further identified exact routes and timings of this habitual tour, setting her plans meticulously.
Navigating towards Techen’s forested expanse, Essryd anticipates encountering Philiberthe. With the same dagger that claimed her family, Essryd prepares to enact retribution upon Sigeric Carucenus’ daughter, determined to honor her fallen kin.
Essryd halts her horse in a secluded, dense section of the forest where scant sunlight filters through, a location meticulously scouted for its relative privacy and sparse foot traffic, ideal for an unobserved encounter. In this sheltered enclave, she anticipates a brief moment alone with Philiberthe to engage in conversation under the guise of shared interests.
As Philiberthe’s approach becomes apparent, Essryd momentarily feigns concern for her horse, seemingly calming it from an imagined disturbance in the nearby bushes. Philiberthe halts beside her, querying with a high-pitched tone if assistance is required. With a radiant smile, Essryd reassures her that all is well, maintaining composure as she sets her plans into motion.
Feeling the concealed dagger at her leg, Essryd suppresses her immediate urge, focusing instead on gleaning more insight into Philiberthe’s family dynamics.
Philiberthe’s arrogance spills forth as she mentions her father’s forthcoming fiefhood along the Thard River. With feigned interest, Essryd remarks on its potential elevation in standing for Philiberthe. Affirmatively, Philiberthe elaborates that the current fiefholder was deemed unfit by the Earl of Techen, necessitating a leadership change to ensure proper governance.
As clarity emerges—confirming that the Earl of Techen orchestrated her family’s demise, enlisting Sigeric under the promise of Nurien Keep—Essryd’s anger simmers.
Yet, when Philiberthe begins to boast about her horse’s beauty and quality, Essryd’s composure fractures. She steps forward with calculated nonchalance, delivering a deft strike that renders the slender woman unconscious.
Philiberthe regains consciousness to find Essryd preoccupied with her saddle. Instantly, she realizes her predicament: bound by makeshift shackles fashioned from her horse’s reins, facing a tree. The gravity of her situation dawns upon Philiberthe as she struggles against her restraints.
Essryd, noticing Philiberthe’s awakening, attaches additional leather straps to form a more robust restraint. She faces Philiberthe, her smile sugary yet laced with menace, remarking that it appears her “newest friend” has recovered from an unfortunate tumble dismounting.
Kneeling before Philiberthe, Essryd secures the improvised leather strap around her ankles, connecting it firmly to the saddle of the woman’s horse.
Standing close, Essryd whispers into Philiberthe’s ear, revealing her initial intent to use Sigeric’s dagger—an instrument of familial tragedy—but now inspired by Philiberthe’s own words, she opts for a more fitting end.
With a sinisterly cheerful clap, Essryd relishes in sharing her revised plan: allowing Philiberthe’s horse to execute its mistress. Philiberthe’s eyes widen in sheer horror at this macabre revelation. Essryd reassures her with an eerie calm, detailing the inevitability but variety in her demise—predominantly through dislocations, internal injuries, or potentially being torn apart at hip height.
With a subtle touch to Philiberthe’s hips and an almost clinical marking on her body, Essryd emphasizes that this outcome hinges on the horse’s vigor. The finality of Philiberthe’s fate lies in the animal’s strength—a grim testament to nature’s unpredictable force.
Philiberthe’s desperate pleas for mercy are met with a poignant contrast: Essryd leans in close, placing a gentle kiss on her tear-streaked cheeks, whispering an ominous encouragement to be brave. With a decisive clap, Essryd urges Philiberthe’s horse forward, sending it into a frantic gallop. The aftermath is gruesome—a bloody trail marking the grotesque separation of body and spirit.
Bidding farewell to what remains of Philiberthe tethered to the tree, Essryd mounts her own steed and rides away, leaving behind the echoes of retribution fulfilled.
To be continued …
This concludes the 6th part of my solo campaign. In the last scene the chaos factor skyrocketed to a whopping 8 out of 9 and due to my WIL check house rule, I missed all test for her mental stability. Additionally I got an altered scene from Mythic GME which means that the scene I intended to play out (i.e. Essryd stabs Philiberthe), got modified and I decided to go with the flow and instead use her horse to do the wet work.
I can’t deny that I liked the result quite a bit and embraced Essryd’s bats in the belfry. I mean to mack on Philiberthe shortly before shredding her to pieces is … quite morbid … and bad ass. I just fear that given the current chaos factor, the whole undertaking will end badly.
For all of you who are not aware what a chaos factor is, the higher the number, the higher the chance to receive a “Yes” and “Exceptional Yes” on all of your oracle questions. That means asking for example: “Was Essryd observed while talking to Philiberthe?” would result in a “Yes” and investigations against her would commence.
But let’s not expect the worst! I hope you liked this part of the campaign and you will return for the next one!
See you soon!
Sources used:
– HârnMaster Kèthîra (Keléstia Productions Ltd.)
– Kingdom of Rethem (Columbia Games Inc.)
– HârnMaster Religion (Columbia Games Inc.)
– The Adventure Crafter (Word Mill Games)
– Mythic GME 2nd Edition (Word Mill Games)
