Continuing on the updates to our campaign based on the time that has passed since we last played, it's time to look at some of the main Non-player Characters from events to date, the significant members of House Justinian on Ravenna.
The Ravenna Justinians are currently a torn and fractious House. Not only are they dealing with the wider conflict within the House between the old guard and the youth but the two most senior members of the House are now in increasing open conflict.
Earl Kiruda Quentin Justinian
The Earl is still feeling the pressure and reputation damage caused to his House by the whole Arcadia affair. The fact that the Decados were involved helped mitigate a lot of the damage and restore some of the Justinian's reputation with the Hawkwoods although it was replaced with a certain amount of pity (those poor little minor house nobles, easily deceived by those nefarious Decados swine....). As a proud man this has galled him no end but he has redirected a lot of his frustration towards his rivalry with Baron Tochiro. Taking care to not act overtly against the Baron he has however supported the Orthodoxy in their investigations (based around the notebook Hemlock provided) and relished every awkwardness and difficulty this has caused.
A lot of the rest of Kiruda's time is spent hosting and carousing Hawkwoods and local representatives of other noble Houses in an attempt to recover some of the House's reputation, a role he pretty much despises. He officially defends the Hawkwood claim of the Midden Barony but has done little to impose or support it other than a few official letters sent to Sir Tarquin. It seems that he has a certain admiration for the boy and not taking a stronger line is both preventing the true restoration of Justinian reputation and plays into Tochiro's hands.
Some close to the Earl (and the Hawkwood courtly gossips) also express concern that his health may be beginning to fail and the pressures of recent years are taking their toll...
Baroness Helena Midden Justinian
Few have seen or heard of the Baroness since her arrest and internment in Suryada. It is said that Kiruda is occasionally permitted to visit her but that is unsubstantiated. He has certainly not been successful in negotiating her release, if she still lives.
General Sir Anthony Masseri Justinian
The General's social popularity rapidly waned, as did the Hawkwood appetite for the cost of keeping him under house arrest. Therefore when his daughter Stephanie Hawkwood appealed for him to be released to her custody he was swiftly sent packing back to Deepcore 104. He has now reverted to the same existence he had under Baroness Helena; hunting, drinking and entertaining his cronies at the expense of his family while seemingly blissfully unaware of the events that surround him.
Sir Tarquin Midden Justinian
The young knight has retained regency of his mother's fief, in opposition to the demands of the Hawkwood authorities. While he might have the unofficial support of Earl Kiruda he is in a delicate position. His sister, Stephanie, has been charged with reclaiming his lands for the Hawkwoods but her lack of resources and military experience have rapidly led to a stalemate. However this is a situation that at present the authorities of House Hawkwood seem happy to leave as is. In recent months Stephanie has changed tack to seeking a more bureaucratic solution and the Reeves are profiting greatly from the legal challenges that have ensued.
Tarquin himself has proven to be a kind and gracious ruler, concerned primarily with the lives and well being of his people, and he is loved by them for it. Many peasants dare to mumble that he is a great improvement on his mother and they have proven in the past that they would protect him with their lives.
Lady Stephanie Justinian Hawkwood
Stephanie adores being lady of the manor and it would be absolutely perfect if it wasn't for her troublesome brother...but at least her adorable Daddykins is home with her where he belongs. If only the Hawkwoods would take her seriously. Perhaps if she was wed again that might help...Baron Cuthbert Hawkwood is now eligible....
Baron Tochiro Justinian
Hemlock's father is seemingly under pressure from all sides, and may be all the more dangerous because of it. Like a cornered animal he is at risk of taking drastic and deliberate action to protect himself or punish those he sees as his foes.
His main adversary at present is the local Orthodox Church. The notebook discovered by Sir Hemlock implicated Tochiro in a long running black market tech and artefact operation, a possibility that had ben suggested and gossiped of for sometime (and was feared by elements of the church) but this appears to be damning evidence. That being said the Baron has tried to discredit the source (his own son) pointing to his lack of stability, wayward nature and the emotional damage caused by his childhood trauma. While the church is actively pursuing investigations and prosecutions against him he still entertains the support of the ruling Hawkwoods (many of whom openly prefer him to Earl Kiruda) and hence there have been significant "administrative delays" which have beset and hampered the church's activities. It might also be suggested that any technology that came from Tochiro's operation was sold somewhere and so there will be a number of his customers who may be helping to prevent accusations and evidence from coming to light...
The Baron's other key adversary is the Earl himself. Whilst never friends Tochiro has become increasingly open in his criticism and hostility towards Kiruda. It appears that Tochiro feels that one of the best ways to protect himself would be to finally wrest control of the Ravenna Justinians from his liege. While still stepping carefully he is moving his pieces into play and many expect his final moves to come soon. With allies in two royal houses (Hawkwood and Al Malik) and deep Guild connections (even if cast under a shadow based on the notebook's revelations) the baron is not without powerful friends.
Baroness Emeraldas Al Malik Justinian
As enchanting as ever in public some say that a certain melancholy has entered the attitude of the demure and beautiful Baroness. Many speculate it is her husband's woes, others that she mourns her wastrel, broken shell of a son. Whatever the reason she puts up a fabulous front but the most perceptive of onlookers note that there is "something"...
As ever she remains an advocate for her husband, smoothing tensions and social engagements when his "plain speaking" and the rumours of his back handed dealings can cause "difficulties". She is also doing a great deal of work with the Sanctuary Aeon, donating significant amounts for a new hospital complex and organising fundraising events for the sect's Austrum relief effort. Such work has taken her increasingly off world but when visiting Ravenna she is always seen to be supporting her husband at least once or twice...
Master Alfredo Garcia
Tochiro's master of the household met with an unfortunate accident while checking an air pumping unit on the edge of the central chasm of Deepcore 104. No body was found and he left no immediate descendants.
Baroness Phillipa "Peppa" Abalone Justinian
The Baroness never really recovered from the shock of witnessing the death of Baron Christopher Hawkwood. She was too frail to be moved from the Midden Barony, especially due to the fact that the troubles erupted as Tarquin tried to retake his family domain, and so she slowly declined and passed away there. Lady Stephanie graciously agreed to a brief respite in border fighting to accept her body to be interred in the family mausoleum within what was the Barony of Abalone.
Baron Turmeric Justinian
Tumeric remains in a holding position. He considers Tarquin an ally but is distrustful and disdainful of Stephanie "A viper at my very door", he has been known to say. He is also critical of both Tochiro and Kiruda as he sees them both as staid members of the "old guard" of the Justinians. However some believe that recent visits from representatives of the Al Malik may be on behalf of Baron Tochiro seeking to win his ear and support.
Baron Samuel Justinian
Samuel has spent recent years still holed up in his library. He is rarely seen "in the season" or at court and is content to let the larger universe pass by. However due to the bureaucratic interference that the church has encountered in it's investigations into Baron Tochiro, Earl Kiruda stepped in to suggest that Samuel might be of some assistance. A task (and recognition) he actually relished. A number of inquisitorial agents and scribes are now hard at work, pouring through the Barons copious archival records looking for further evidence of Tochiro's tech heresy.
Lady Saffron Justinian
The Lady Saffron retains her stewardship of her master's lands in Crofters Holt. While the men-at-arms of Crofters Holt never assisted the Midden Barony in it's skirmishes against Lady Stephanie's forces, a number of well trained and disciplined mercenaries offered their services to Sir Tarquin for no charge other than meal and board while Saffron's men were strangely absent hunting Snarks in the north reaches...
Showing posts with label Characters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Characters. Show all posts
Sunday, 29 June 2025
Monday, 7 September 2020
Interlude - Keats epilogue
Last night was bad. Chastity’s wife woke her with urgent hisses in a language that Chastity didn’t understand but is beginning to recognise as Antiochian. Chastity let herself be led out through the house, hand clasped tight, slipping silent as her wife who carried a sword in her free hand and watched every dark corner and alcove. Chastity ensured the guards stayed clear. Then they came out under the trees, and the smell of night-orchids and damp earth, and Chastity’s wife looked around confused, then embarrassed, and let Chastity led her back to bed.
Chastity wipes condensation from the tall bathroom mirror. It takes a while. Then she stands back beside her wife and points at her wife’s reflection.
“This is you.”
Chastity’s wife stares at herself, like studying a map of a strange land. The scars aren’t confined to her face. Nor are the tattoos anymore: one in Urthish script coiling down her side from shoulder to knee. Her name, in mirror-writing so that it reads clearly on her reflection.
She points to one scar on her stomach, frowns, “That was Yannis Three-Fingers. He gained his freedom too – we got drunk together once – but he didn’t know what to do outside the arena. He was hung, I think.”
A memory, new to Chastity and lucid. Chastity rests an arm around her wife’s shoulders.
Her wife stares at herself in the mirror, “This is me.”
*****
“Will I ever have my first mate back?” Cortez walks through the garden beside Chastity.
“She is broken. She has been broken several times before, and pieced some semblance of herself back together out of necessity, but fragile. Now, we will help her to do it properly. It will take time.”
“And she is married to you. Whenever Keats was noticed by the ladies, he – she – always evaded their attention. Does she… like ladies?”
“I don’t think she knows herself. But marriage and sex are not the same thing. We may take lovers,” Chastity’s smile suggests it might not be that simple, though it could as easily be to tease him.
“Are there subjects I should avoid?”
“No. Just be patient with her,” Chastity glances up.
Then someone is beside them. They’d dropped from the tree, but so suddenly and quietly that they seem instead to rise out of the grass. Unadorned blue cloak that, in crouching, had fanned out and now pulls in; black hair; katana held by its sheath in one hand.
“Mal?!?” but it isn’t. The hair is dyed, the face scarred and tattooed. Even the eyes are wrong: now amber. “Keats!”
Chastity addresses her wife calmly, “Who are you today?”
“Lady Patience Keats Decados.”
“Good. Then shall I look after that?” Chastity holds out her hand, and Patience passes her the katana: it’s Mal’s. To Cortez, “I’ll leave her in your care.”
“Do you have news?” Patience demands as soon as Chastity turns away.
“What about?”
“Mal!”
“No. I am sorry.”
Patience stares at Cortez. She’d never seen him among trees before, always in ships or spaceports or cities. He is out of context. She’s still for a moment, tense, processing the transposition. Then she grins, hugs him, picks him up and spins. That’s new.
“Patience Decados?” when he is set down.
“All the other names were tangled.”
“Decados?!?”
“There is nothing left for me in the Justinians. Only bitterness. Hemlock,” she says the name as if testing it out, “joined the Decados on his marriage and renounced his Justinian claim. Though sooner or later someone will notice that the marriage documents all say Tigerlily. And it simplified my illegitimate inheritance. I’m sure cousin Suki will do a better job than my father when he dies.”
“And your eyes –” Cortez touches her cheek.
“I can see colour again!” Patience beams, “Though that waistcoat looked better in monochrome.”
“I always liked the blue,” wistful, “I thought they were beautiful.”
“Dead men’s eyes,” Patience frowns, “I considered green, but no-one else had amber eyes. When I look in the mirror, I see myself,” all stated plainly, undisturbed, as if normal people had trouble with their own reflection.
“What has become of Keats?”
“Hemlock,” she pauses, struggles, “was a lie. Tigerlily-on-Antioch was a delusion, sort-of, though she’s still part of me. Keats is part of me too, maybe the biggest part. You can call me that if you want: it won’t trigger a seizure,” a slight smile. She’s teasing him, which seems a good sign, or perhaps a fleeting moment of lucidity. Remembering something, she pulls a ring from her pocket: the nose-ring she’d worn since Antioch, “Can you look after this for me please?”
“Of course,” he pockets it.
They walk under the trees, old friends chatting. She slips her hand in his. It’s warm and callused. While it surprises him, it seems to please her to have that contact. It’s a while before he realises that it’s her left hand so her right is free to draw – she wears Keats’ knives – and she knows where he is without looking.
Monday, 24 August 2020
Interlude - Confessions of a Known Psychic
Whilst on the Innocent Pursuit, after meeting Lady Guinevere, Mal wrote the following letter which he now carries on his person.
The letter is addressed: To the child of Sir Malcolm Hawkwood, to be sent to Lady Guinevere Hawkwood on Leminkainen death of Sir Malcolm Hawkwood.
To my young child,
May this letter find you well. I hope to soon be meeting you. Your mother has most likely told you I have my demons. I have more than that. I have many enemies and a reputation to clear before I can meet you.
I aim to resolve the issues brought about by my previous activity before such time as my return to Leminkainen, but the path I am about to walk will bring me close to my enemies. Not only that, but both the church and these enemies may want me dead before I get the chance to confess my sins. That is why I’ve written this letter. Upon my death, provided it can be found and retrieved, this letter should have been sent to you, and with it it’s contents. I trust that my allies will be able to do this small favour for me, as I wouldn’t trust this task to anyone else. If you are ever to meet Marquis Anton De Havilland or Sir Hemlock Justian, or the Charioteer Guildsman known as Keats, know that they will be a trusted ally and friend to you in my absence.
Inclosed is a small sum of firebirds. It isn’t much, but my life has not been one of frivolity and wealth. Within this letter is also my full account and confession. I hope that this will help in some way clear your own reputation and that of your mothers such that the sullied reputation of our family ends with me. This confession is not a legal document. Acquiring such would be hard for me, but I know the church does not always need Reeves to legalise their proceedings anyway. I would hope that this helps alleviate that which I’ve left behind.
Sincerely, your absent father, Sir Malcolm Hawkwood.
Within the envelope is a secondary envelope, labeled: The full account and confession of Sir Malcolm Hawkwood.
To whomever reads this document,
I openly acknowledge having had no legal council before writing this. I do not see any point in doing so. The church has no reason to suspect me to lie if I’m confessing anyway. After all, if you are reading this I fear I may be either dead or shortly will be if not for this information becoming public knowledge.
Until a few years ago, what I had done felt right. I may have disagreed with how it was done, but I still believed the church was wrong and that the Psychics among us were superior. That belief has since died.
The church is aware that I was a member of the Invisible path. Someone exposed the cell I was a part of and I was apprehended along with many of my fellow members. At the time I had been planning to expose them myself, but didn’t get the chance.
I then broke out of prison and attempted to track down my fellow members. I do not honestly know what side I was on when I did this. I openly confess at this time to several crimes, including murder, which I committed prior to my apprehension.
I had intended to reunite with members of the cell, using the company of my cousin, the Marquis De Havilland, for protection. However, in the year after my escape, I was the guest of a Justinian knight, who had another guest at the same time in the form of a Decados Lady. The three of us became good friends, despite our apparent differences, and that turned me towards the path that has led me to remembering who I was and who I wanted to be. Whilst I should have handed myself over to the church there and then I found a pair of members of my old cell who had become acquainted with one Hasimir Torenson, from whom I learnt of a secret coven on Ravenna. This coven was aware of my presence in the local area and had been keeping tabs on me. If I went to the church I might have lost my lead on them, so I stuck to the shadows. I then fell into some trouble with these two individuals, having to then flee to space.
Now several years down the line, the Invisible Path of Ravenna has been resurrected by this club, most notably Victor and Hugo Hawkwood, who are both members of the club and members of the Invisible Path prior to it’s exposure.
As of the time of writing this confession I am fully intending to see this through to the end. Sir Hasimir has provided information on the fact that the weapons of mass destruction released on the Austrum Isles on Ravenna, were the fault of these two and their wider network. They not only provided these weapons, but he believes they engineered events to launch them. I believe they did this as a part of some, as yet unknown, larger plan that other members of this club may know about.
I intended on hunting down as much information as I could before confessing my sins, in the hopes of becoming penitent, using my skills to draw out other psychics such as myself.
Signed, Sir Malcolm Hawkwood.
Wednesday, 29 April 2020
Interlude - Home Free
A recap for the reader.
As a child, Hemlock Justinian lost his twin sister, Tigerlily, in an attack on their estates. Hemlock was hidden in an ore shuttle and escaped into space, where he was apprenticed to the Charioteers under the pseudonym of Keats. As an adult, Hemlock re-emerged to claim his birthright.
Only, as we’re about to see, that’s not quite what happened.
More recently, supporting the endeavours of an old friend (the Charioteer Cortez), Keats and Anton, the Marquis De Havilland, were taken prisoner and sent to Antioch. Two years passed. Anton escaped from the Palindrax’s prison, and found Keats, who it seems had suffered some sort of mental breakdown and was living as Tigerlily. Anton’s appearance rekindled Keats’ lost memories, and they escaped Antioch together.
Now, in a stolen Vuldrok explorer, Anton and Keats have jumped through to the system they last saw their friends and communicated their return. It’s a week’s voyage, but Anton and Keats are, at last, home free.
*****
Keats un-hunches from over the pilot’s console, sits back in the chair and exhales. ‘Course set,’ he rubs his eyes. ‘If you’re going to keep this ship, you’re going to need a proper pilot.’
Anton snorts, amused. The bridge is a dim, tight place: the screens show star-fields; most light comes from consoles and indicators. Sat in the captain’s chair with his wild-man beard, Anton looks every inch the pirate.
‘I can keep an eye on things. Get some rest.’
Keats nods, unfolds from the chair, but stops and perches on its arm. Warily, ‘Back on Antioch, how did you find me?’
‘A magic lantern show I saw in prison. You were in the arena. They said your name was Tigerlily.’
‘A magic lantern show featured me?’ Keats frowns, ‘her?’
‘Arcadia called you that,’ Anton mentions, almost nonchalant.
Keats nods. Grey overalls, head shaved. Androgynous. A tattoo down the side of his face proclaims – for those who understand it – that he fought for and won his freedom.
‘I couldn’t let him be dead,’ it comes out quiet, plaintive. Keats looks up from the floor and stares at Anton, ‘All the time on Antioch, I thought I’d saved him. When you and I were captured things got jumbled in my head. I thought I’d got Hemlock to safety: that they never appeared from the dark and cut his throat, that they took me away instead. Things never seemed right, like there was something I had to do if only I could remember it. But Hemlock wasn’t dead: he was somewhere back among the known worlds, happy, alive. I think I was content.’
‘Will he return?’
Keats shrugs, looking lost, ‘Maybe it’s enough. Sir Hemlock has deeds to his name! He helped clear Arcadia’s name at the tournament of St Gavin, slew the enemy who framed her, fought an inquisitor, came out in society, hosted a Decados and was in a way betrayed, publicly duelled, made friends, madeenemies, at least one mortal,’ Keats’ eyes shine wetly, ‘He lives! Unless –’
‘Don’t worry. I shan’t tell a soul. You have my word,’ which seems to calm Keats, ‘But what about Tigerlily?’
‘She was lost. In the attack on the family estates.’ Keats hunches. For all the world, he sounds like he grieves for a loved one.
‘Why?’
‘One of us died. If Tigerlily were alive, then Hemlock must be dead,’ then, quietly, ‘I miss her.’
Anton strokes his beard. It doesn’t put the beard in any better order. He thinks he follows, that this makes a sort of twisted sense. Maybe he should let Keats rest. But maybe, next time he asks, Keats won’t be so forthcoming or coherent. It seems cathartic.
‘And what about Keats?’
Keats looks up and quotes, ‘ “It would go easier on you, if you were a boy”.’ He laughs, a manic edge, and stops himself suddenly, ‘It’s what he said. The old retainer – Hobbs – who bundled me into the oreshuttle. The letter he gave me was the sort of thing you’d give a bastard: give this child a home and teach them a trade. It didn’t mention my name. So I chose to be a boy. And no-one cared enough to pry, or to make anything of it if they saw through it. And then I met Cortez, and was in his shadow. It was just common knowledge that Keats was a boy.’
‘Did Cortez help?’
‘He never knew!’ Keats bites his lip, ‘I never meant to lie to him! The longer it went on: I just couldn’tbring myself –’ he laughs again, that manic edge, and Anton wonders if he’s pushed too hard, ‘I think... I think, at the end, just before we were captured, when things got jumbled: I might’ve told him. I don’t remember too well.’
‘Whatever happened, he’ll be pleased to see you alive.’
‘I hope so.’
‘And who will you be?’
‘Keats. Just Keats, I think,’ looking up at Anton as if seeking permission, ‘For a while, at least. Being a noble is just so complicated.’
Anton laughs. Keats doesn’t know the half of it. Keats is at the door when Anton calls, ‘You know, there’s a flaw in your logic.’
Keats turns with a look of panic.
‘Who knows that only one twin survived?’
Keats shakes his head, ‘Everything burnt down.’
‘Hemlock was just a child, and in all the smoke and darkness maybe his mistook what he saw. Maybe Tigerlily survived, and was sold as a slave, wound up on Antioch and won her freedom.’ While Hemlock stares, thunderstruck, Anton adds, ‘And anyone who contradicts the arithmetic, well, they know something about the attack, and you might want to have words with them.’
Keats stands in the doorway as if at the edge of a precipice. Possibilities unspool in his mind.
‘Keats. For now, just Keats.’
As a child, Hemlock Justinian lost his twin sister, Tigerlily, in an attack on their estates. Hemlock was hidden in an ore shuttle and escaped into space, where he was apprenticed to the Charioteers under the pseudonym of Keats. As an adult, Hemlock re-emerged to claim his birthright.
Only, as we’re about to see, that’s not quite what happened.
More recently, supporting the endeavours of an old friend (the Charioteer Cortez), Keats and Anton, the Marquis De Havilland, were taken prisoner and sent to Antioch. Two years passed. Anton escaped from the Palindrax’s prison, and found Keats, who it seems had suffered some sort of mental breakdown and was living as Tigerlily. Anton’s appearance rekindled Keats’ lost memories, and they escaped Antioch together.
Now, in a stolen Vuldrok explorer, Anton and Keats have jumped through to the system they last saw their friends and communicated their return. It’s a week’s voyage, but Anton and Keats are, at last, home free.
*****
Keats un-hunches from over the pilot’s console, sits back in the chair and exhales. ‘Course set,’ he rubs his eyes. ‘If you’re going to keep this ship, you’re going to need a proper pilot.’
Anton snorts, amused. The bridge is a dim, tight place: the screens show star-fields; most light comes from consoles and indicators. Sat in the captain’s chair with his wild-man beard, Anton looks every inch the pirate.
‘I can keep an eye on things. Get some rest.’
Keats nods, unfolds from the chair, but stops and perches on its arm. Warily, ‘Back on Antioch, how did you find me?’
‘A magic lantern show I saw in prison. You were in the arena. They said your name was Tigerlily.’
‘A magic lantern show featured me?’ Keats frowns, ‘her?’
‘Arcadia called you that,’ Anton mentions, almost nonchalant.
Keats nods. Grey overalls, head shaved. Androgynous. A tattoo down the side of his face proclaims – for those who understand it – that he fought for and won his freedom.
‘I couldn’t let him be dead,’ it comes out quiet, plaintive. Keats looks up from the floor and stares at Anton, ‘All the time on Antioch, I thought I’d saved him. When you and I were captured things got jumbled in my head. I thought I’d got Hemlock to safety: that they never appeared from the dark and cut his throat, that they took me away instead. Things never seemed right, like there was something I had to do if only I could remember it. But Hemlock wasn’t dead: he was somewhere back among the known worlds, happy, alive. I think I was content.’
‘Will he return?’
Keats shrugs, looking lost, ‘Maybe it’s enough. Sir Hemlock has deeds to his name! He helped clear Arcadia’s name at the tournament of St Gavin, slew the enemy who framed her, fought an inquisitor, came out in society, hosted a Decados and was in a way betrayed, publicly duelled, made friends, madeenemies, at least one mortal,’ Keats’ eyes shine wetly, ‘He lives! Unless –’
‘Don’t worry. I shan’t tell a soul. You have my word,’ which seems to calm Keats, ‘But what about Tigerlily?’
‘She was lost. In the attack on the family estates.’ Keats hunches. For all the world, he sounds like he grieves for a loved one.
‘Why?’
‘One of us died. If Tigerlily were alive, then Hemlock must be dead,’ then, quietly, ‘I miss her.’
Anton strokes his beard. It doesn’t put the beard in any better order. He thinks he follows, that this makes a sort of twisted sense. Maybe he should let Keats rest. But maybe, next time he asks, Keats won’t be so forthcoming or coherent. It seems cathartic.
‘And what about Keats?’
Keats looks up and quotes, ‘ “It would go easier on you, if you were a boy”.’ He laughs, a manic edge, and stops himself suddenly, ‘It’s what he said. The old retainer – Hobbs – who bundled me into the oreshuttle. The letter he gave me was the sort of thing you’d give a bastard: give this child a home and teach them a trade. It didn’t mention my name. So I chose to be a boy. And no-one cared enough to pry, or to make anything of it if they saw through it. And then I met Cortez, and was in his shadow. It was just common knowledge that Keats was a boy.’
‘Did Cortez help?’
‘He never knew!’ Keats bites his lip, ‘I never meant to lie to him! The longer it went on: I just couldn’tbring myself –’ he laughs again, that manic edge, and Anton wonders if he’s pushed too hard, ‘I think... I think, at the end, just before we were captured, when things got jumbled: I might’ve told him. I don’t remember too well.’
‘Whatever happened, he’ll be pleased to see you alive.’
‘I hope so.’
‘And who will you be?’
‘Keats. Just Keats, I think,’ looking up at Anton as if seeking permission, ‘For a while, at least. Being a noble is just so complicated.’
Anton laughs. Keats doesn’t know the half of it. Keats is at the door when Anton calls, ‘You know, there’s a flaw in your logic.’
Keats turns with a look of panic.
‘Who knows that only one twin survived?’
Keats shakes his head, ‘Everything burnt down.’
‘Hemlock was just a child, and in all the smoke and darkness maybe his mistook what he saw. Maybe Tigerlily survived, and was sold as a slave, wound up on Antioch and won her freedom.’ While Hemlock stares, thunderstruck, Anton adds, ‘And anyone who contradicts the arithmetic, well, they know something about the attack, and you might want to have words with them.’
Keats stands in the doorway as if at the edge of a precipice. Possibilities unspool in his mind.
‘Keats. For now, just Keats.’
Monday, 20 April 2020
Where are they now? - Part 4 - Notable non-nobles
In preparation for the restart of our campaign here's some further updates concerning some of our previous supporting cast. This time we look outside the nobility:
Father Konrad
Father Konrad
Still acting as confessor to Lady Stephanie, Konrad sees heresy and apostasy at every turn. He enforces Orthodox worship within Stephanie's lands and has regular public floggings of those who are "insufficient in their devotions or showing of wanton sinfulness". The peasants fear him but do seem to enjoy the spectacle of the punishments. The floggings draw sizeable crowds after Luxday worship and many serfs are eager to gain favour by reporting on their neighbours (or rivals...or old enemies...or simply people that are different to them...).
While not an official inquisitor Konrad has worked on their behalf in the past (such as following the "Husk Incident") and he has recently been receiving visits from Inquisitional colleagues who are working in Baron Samuel's library. It is possible that they may engage him in the investigation of Baron Tochiro, especially as he has a history with some of the parties involved.
Sister Cassie
Now a penitent psychic, "sister" Cassie is a constant shadow around Father Konrad. He makes use of her gifts in his "Pancreator ordained work" but treats her with the contempt she deserves as a corrupt and sinful heretic. She seems to accept her place in the Celestial Order and follows his bidding without hesitation, whether it is pulling the truth from other sinners' minds or amplifying the impact of the Father's righteous fervour during his sermons. She continues to serve, quietly and penitently...
Boss "Frisky" Wilson
With the Church's investigation into Baron Tochiro's activities and the black market trade in artefacts the Ravenna branch of the Scravers Guild has become extremely quiet. There is a general assumption that the Guild were involved, the issue is who and how deep. Frisky is typical of the local bosses; he is too high ranking and notable to just disappear but also so connected that the expectation is that he must have been involved in some way. As such he is keeping his nose as clean as possible, conducting open and legitimate business and being very public in doing so.
Chief Louie
Louie is gets by as always, making deals, trading goods and trying to remain one step ahead of his creditors, over observant Reeves and the the prying eyes of do-gooder church types. Rumours that the jump route to a new lost world may soon be open for trade has peaked his interest but he's not necessarily in a financial position to exploit it. Yet.
Wednesday, 3 January 2018
Where are they now? - Part 3 - Other notable nobles
In preparation for the restart of our campaign here's the latest updates concerning some of our previous supporting cast. This time it is other Nobles of note:
Count Innocence Decados
Since the events of "The Arcadia Affair" and the implication of his House (and his own knights directly) in events, the Count has withdrawn again into his self imposed exile. Rarely seen in court these days many wonder if he is actually spending most of his time off world.
Lady Chastity Decados
While her father may have withdrawn from Ravenna society again Chastity has embraced it. She acts as her father's representative at most formal functions and events and seems to be going out of her way to play to all the tropes and stereotypes of the Decados. Rarely out of the gossip columns she has been linked with a string of affairs and trysts both with nobility and freemen. In the true nature of her House she seems determined to shock and outrage the formal and traditional Ravennans but so far has avoided formal censure other than some harshly worded public admonishments, negative Town Crier editorials and being the direct target of a number of fiery sermons by notable clergy. Whether she has a deliberate long term goal, other than to cause controversy, is unclear.
Lady Yelizaveta Decados
Once Sir Bedevere's ransom was arranged and settled and the Hawkwood's ships and remaining crew returned the Lady Yelizaveta appears to have faded away. As one of the Count's key agents it is likely she will resurface at some point but how, where and in what guise, only the Pancreator can say. As for Sir Hasimir's ill fated vessel, "The Questionable Intent", that remains in Decados control and is berthed in Ravenna orbit in a dock rented by the Count.
Countessa Morgana Trusnikron
Still the undisputed ruler of her House on Ravenna the Countessa continues her open support of her dear friend the Countess Cassandra Hawkwood. Her House troops have seen heavy losses (both in manpower and beasts) and she has seen some internal pressure to withdraw or reduce her support. Mercifully perhaps, due to the respect in which she has held, she has seen off all these challenges. However it may only be a matter of time unless the tide of the war turns. Some speculate that she may have therefore had a hand in bringing in the various errant knights who have joined Cassandra's cause, and it is notable that a number are Trusnikrons from other worlds.
Baronet Theodore Gangrel Trusnikron
The rough and hardy knight still serves as stable master and beast and horse trainer for Baron Tochiro but that agreement comes to an end soon. The Trusnikron support of Countess Cassandra, coupled with the negative view of the Baron (and the suggestion that his funds may be on the wane) give rise to much speculation that this arrangement will not be renewed.
Sir Vim Militas-Djinn Al Malik
Sir Vim has apparently succumbed to wanderlust once more and headed off into the Known Worlds upon a quest. After his disappearance the courtly gossips of Ravenna will recall and relate that he was seen at a soiree in a private discussion with Baroness Emeraldas Al Malik Justinian, in which neither of them appeared very pleased, some might say that they were irate (well, as irate as users of the Graceful Tongue become)
Count Innocence Decados
Since the events of "The Arcadia Affair" and the implication of his House (and his own knights directly) in events, the Count has withdrawn again into his self imposed exile. Rarely seen in court these days many wonder if he is actually spending most of his time off world.
Lady Chastity Decados
While her father may have withdrawn from Ravenna society again Chastity has embraced it. She acts as her father's representative at most formal functions and events and seems to be going out of her way to play to all the tropes and stereotypes of the Decados. Rarely out of the gossip columns she has been linked with a string of affairs and trysts both with nobility and freemen. In the true nature of her House she seems determined to shock and outrage the formal and traditional Ravennans but so far has avoided formal censure other than some harshly worded public admonishments, negative Town Crier editorials and being the direct target of a number of fiery sermons by notable clergy. Whether she has a deliberate long term goal, other than to cause controversy, is unclear.
Lady Yelizaveta Decados
Once Sir Bedevere's ransom was arranged and settled and the Hawkwood's ships and remaining crew returned the Lady Yelizaveta appears to have faded away. As one of the Count's key agents it is likely she will resurface at some point but how, where and in what guise, only the Pancreator can say. As for Sir Hasimir's ill fated vessel, "The Questionable Intent", that remains in Decados control and is berthed in Ravenna orbit in a dock rented by the Count.
Countessa Morgana Trusnikron
Still the undisputed ruler of her House on Ravenna the Countessa continues her open support of her dear friend the Countess Cassandra Hawkwood. Her House troops have seen heavy losses (both in manpower and beasts) and she has seen some internal pressure to withdraw or reduce her support. Mercifully perhaps, due to the respect in which she has held, she has seen off all these challenges. However it may only be a matter of time unless the tide of the war turns. Some speculate that she may have therefore had a hand in bringing in the various errant knights who have joined Cassandra's cause, and it is notable that a number are Trusnikrons from other worlds.
Baronet Theodore Gangrel Trusnikron
The rough and hardy knight still serves as stable master and beast and horse trainer for Baron Tochiro but that agreement comes to an end soon. The Trusnikron support of Countess Cassandra, coupled with the negative view of the Baron (and the suggestion that his funds may be on the wane) give rise to much speculation that this arrangement will not be renewed.
Sir Vim Militas-Djinn Al Malik
Sir Vim has apparently succumbed to wanderlust once more and headed off into the Known Worlds upon a quest. After his disappearance the courtly gossips of Ravenna will recall and relate that he was seen at a soiree in a private discussion with Baroness Emeraldas Al Malik Justinian, in which neither of them appeared very pleased, some might say that they were irate (well, as irate as users of the Graceful Tongue become)
Monday, 4 December 2017
Where are they now? - Part 1 - the Hawkwoods
It is almost twenty months since the last time I ran Fading Suns... When we last played we left Keats, Mal and De Havilland with the crew of Corteaz' Charioteer Guild ship as they set out from the Known Worlds to Lost Worlds, beyond the mapped jump routes, there to find new life and new civilisations (and exploit them for profit and glory....). While Hasimir remained on Ravenna as steward for De Havilland's fief on the war torn Austrum Islands.
Fading Suns is never truely far from my mind and lately there have been a few topical triggers that have brought it to the forefront. One of which being the activity around the new edition. In almost thiry fve years of gaming "The Trials and Tribulations of Dame Arcadia Justinian" remains one of my favourite ever RPG campaigns and I hold the cast and story we created very dear.
The story, as I originally intended to take it from where we left off, will never be run. For personal reasons there are concepts, characters and plots that I wouldn't use now, or at least don't feel able to use as I had planned. That is not to say I wouldn't play a sequel game, just that it will be far from my original plan, and probably for the better.
Thus I decided to engage in a little "thought exercise". What were the fates of our cast since we saw them last? I'm winding the clock forward about two years from our last adventure and will start with a review of some of our supporting cast...
Planetary Duke Cassius Hawkwood
The duke has always placed Ravenna first, even to the perceived detriment of his House as a whole. Tradition is everything and there are right and proper ways to do things. Unfortunately this position of following the appropriate ways and all will be well is being tested to the limit. The conflict in the Austrum Islands has reached a tipping point with old allegiances and favours being called in from both sides. More and more off world eyes are being drawn to events in the otherwise peaceful world as many nobles from other systems come to support the warring factions due to ancient fealty or modern opportunism. Leading to an increased focus and pressure on the Duke to act to resolve the matter in some way...
Sir Bedevere Hawkwood
Bedevere remained a captive aboard The Questionable Intent, but as an "honoured guest" rather than a prisoner of pirates until his family agreed on a suitable "recovery fee and administration costs" (i.e. ransom...), as is the custom with the Nobility and their naval conflicts. As it stood though the Decados set a very low fee; enough to follow form and not cause insult to the status of the knight or his command, but trivial enough that either it was a sign of good faith, that they wanted a swift end of the matter or that they will expect a favour in return at a future time...
Since then Bedevere as remained a dutiful knight. He continues to primarily serve in space and may be about to be promoted to the command of a larger vessel. If the players opened up the gate to Twilight he will have been charged with escorting vessels into "barbarian space" and possibly could be involved with blockading the gate to prevent "heretical corruption" spreading to Ravenna.
Countess Cassandra Hawkwood
The war swiftly turned on the Countess. Her Justinian allies largely abandoned her, turning their attention back to the internal strife in their own House. Her people lacked military strength (beyond her efficient wet-navy) and the air cavalry of her Trusnikron allies could only do so much. Saboteurs and commando forces from the West destroyed key canals and logistical targets and things looked bleak. What happened next is unclear but it is believed that while Cassandra is no military expert she is both tenacious and have the courage of her convictions. Although she probably despised doing so it is thought that she got word to her cousin, one who considered her a personal favourite; none other than the Emperor himself. While he has not officially intervened in the months since, a steady stream of young Errant Knights, keen for glory or recognition (and perhaps seeking the favour of the Emperor or a seat as one of his Phoenix Knights) has arrived on the shores of the islands, offering Casandra their swords. This small but growing, eclectic, force is hard to command and full of eager, glory hunting young turks and idealists. While they have not turned the tide by any means they have held the line and prevented the West's victory (for now). Meanwhile Cassandra herself, bolstered by this support, seems to become more determined by the day...
Count Otto Kierkagaard Hawkwood
The Count saw victory in his grasp, and had the support of the Orthodoxy and the tacit approval of his House on Ravenna and the Duchal court....and then all these off-world knights started to interfere. He has protested and scowled and shouted. Raged against the indignity of it all and tried to bring down the weight of authority upon them...but to no avail. He is an efficient soldier but when it comes to the social graces he is short tempered, rude and boorish. While making the matter of the ownership of the islands an informal family dispute worked for him initially, now that he wants outside support and legal aid he finds he lacks the support he needs without making the war an "open conflict". Thus he has turned his fury against his sister. He is driving up the production and militarisation of his forces, pilling on more and more pressure and digging deep into his coffers to do so. The impact on his once idyllic lands and peaceful people may be irreversible.
Baron Cuthbert Mountbatten Hawkwood
Young Cuthbert is growing nicely into the landed gentry he was forced by circumstance into being. He is learning to steward his fief well and taking good counsel from the staff he inherited from his deceased brother. It is suggested at court that he will soon look to take a wife and a number of eligible suitors are already being suggested by the gossip columns of the Local Town Criers.
Friday, 25 September 2015
Where we currently are - Dramatis Personae (NPCs)
As it's been a while and the political nature of the game and setting can get quite convoluted I put together this aide memoir of significant NPCs. It's based on what the players currently know going back into the game after our Hiatus. It may not be the truth, but it's the situation from their perspective...
House Hawkwood:
Planetary Duke Cassius Hawkwood
Staid and traditional, like most of the inhabitants of his world, the Duke is the ruler of the planet Ravenna
Baron Christopher Windsor Hawkwood
Recently raised to the rank of Baron by Planetary Duke Cassius after helping to unearth the identity of the assailant who tried to take the Duke's life some years ago, Baron Christopher has been appointed as the steward of the Justinian lands (The Midden Barony, Deepcore 104, South Follari) that have been taken as part of the investigation into the extent of the betrayal and plot against the Duke.
Sir Bedevere Hawkwood
Baron Christopher's younger brother. Seemingly uninterested in politics he serves his House as a part of the Hawkwood navy, commanding a Wayfarer class Explorer in patrolling the Ravenna system
Countess Cassandra Hawkwood
The half-Justinian ruler of Austrum East. More concerned with scholarly pursuits (particularly marine biology) than the war she finds herself in. Half sister of De Havilland. Currently out of favour at court largely due to the manipulations of her step-mother (but not helped by the scandal that seemed to follow her own mother).
Count Otto Kierkagaard Hawkwood
Ruler of Austrum West, contester of his father's Last Will & Testament, instigator of teh Austum War and oldest brother of De Havilland. Ex-soldier, accomplished military strategist and leader of men. Boorish and prone to violent rages. Very much the stereotypical "lord of the manor"
Baron Cuthbert Mountbatten Hawkwood
The young baron who took over the lands of his brother, Baron Cedric, after his murder at the hands of the renegade Scraver, Façade.
House Justinian:
Earl Kiruda Quentin Justinian
The earl is a hardened military man and a veteran of many campaigns who has taken enforced “retirement” as one of the landed gentry very badly. It is probably fair to say that he tolerates the barons below him as a necessary indulgence; if they run their fiefs without having to involve him directly that’s fine. He can get on with hunting, walking his hounds and what little martial practise his wife and physician will permit him. However recent events have forced him to attend court far more than he is otherwise comfortable with as he petitions Duke Cassius for clemency on behalf of Baroness Helena. He fears the loss of Justinian lands to the Hawkwoods and is concerned that forces within his own House see him as weakened are now conspiring to depose him.
Baroness Helena Midden Justinian
Mother of the "Traitor Arcadia" Baroness Helena is now a prisoner of the Hawkwoods and is rumoured to be held within the planetary capital of Suryada. How she fares remains a closely guarded secret.
General Sir Anthony Masseri Justinian
The General (as he insists on being referred to) in contrast to his wife has recently, and quite publically, been released to "house arrest" within the capital and is rapidly gaining notoriety in social circles as an entertaining, if clownish, dinner guest (particularly amongst those looking for a little salacious gossip or intrigue - which he seems willing to provide for a good meal and plenty of attention)
Sir Tarquin Midden Justinian
The sixteen year old is the eldest remaining child of Dame Helena and is now a ward of Duke Cassius. Nominally the Midden Barony belongs to him and is being ruled in his stead by the Baron as "caretaker/steward". He was last seen in public returning to his family lands in the company of Baron Christopher and regiments of the Duke's personal guard, but is reported to be in excellent health and well engaged in the continuation of his studies.
Lady Stephanie Justinian
The Baroness & General's youngest child, Stephanie has rarely stepped outside of her family's lands throughout the thirteen years of her young life. She remains quite reclusive but has occasionally been seen accompanying Baron Christopher at functions and on tours of his "occupied" lands.
Baron Tochiro Justinian
Sir Hemlock's father, the Baron is a regal looking man, his fair hair now peppered with silver. He stands a good six feet tall and still maintains the athletic build of his youth. Personally he is traditional and very formal in outlook; some might describe him as both cold and aloof, attributes that have gained him much support and many allies amongst the Ravennan Hawkwoods. Never a notable warrior he always saw himself more as a politician and ruler and as such spends most of his time away from his fief on “diplomatic missions” for Justinian interests. As such he leaves the running of things in the hands of his trusted retainer and bondsman, Master Alfredo Garcia.
Baroness Emeraldas Al Malik Justinian
Baroness Emeraldas is Hemlock's mother and the baron’s second wife, his first having died during the delivery of his first (stillborn) son Eustace (4960-4960). The Baron remained in mourning for some years until he could be convinced to wed for the benefit of the house. That was not to say that he did not have “companions” during that time but he seemed averse to making a formal commitment again. For her part the current Baroness has always appeared the perfect wife for the Baron; demure, enchanting, witty and many believe that the ties to Al Malik have smoothed some previous issues that that previously faced Sector 42 when dealing with the Guilds.
Master Alfredo Garcia
Master Alfredo was present with the Baron on a diplomatic mission to Delphi when the tragedy struck the household that robbed the Baron of his daughter and most of his household staff. As the most senior surviving retainer at the time Alfredo stepped up and took control of the running of things and has remained so ever since. Trained by the Reeves, Alfredo was born into service in the Baron’s household and has remained so ever since. Some still gossip that he has taken advantage of his master’s frequent absences to secretly extend the fief's mine workings and line his own pockets in the process.
Baroness Phillipa "Peppa" Abalone Justinian
Old "grand dame" and ruler of the Deepcore 104 fief "The Barony of Abalone". Geriatric and far past her best she steadfastly refuses to relinquish her grip on her fief. Her one remaining child, Sir Basil Justinian is almost as infirm as she.
Baron Turmeric Justinian
Ruler of "The Folly", the fief that sits above The Midden Barony, Turmeric is a member of the "non-traditionalist" Justinian faction and an open supporter of it's leader and figurehead, Princess Carolandra (as was Dame Arcadia). He steadfastly refuses to marry, arguing it depletes the House but has large harem of concubines all of whom are sworn to the Justinian House.
Baron Samuel Justinian
Lord of "Quentin's Retreat", another Justinian fief within Deepcore 104, the Baron is an academic and learned student of the humanities. He has a reputation for maintaining one of the finest and most diverse libraries on the planet.
Lady Saffron Justinian
Lady Saffron is one of Earl Kiruda's knights and is steward of the fief of "Crofters Holt", one of the Earl's own holdings within Deepcore 104 and neighbour to The Midden Barony.
Other Nobles of note:
Count Innocence Decados
Highest ranking member of House Decados on Ravenna. Since the events of the St Gavin's day Tournament the Count has become much more visible at court. As ever he very rarely says or does anything notable in public but the fact that the previously elusive Count is deigning to appear worries and fascinates many spectators.
Countessa Morgana Trusnikron
Ruler of the Trusnikrons on Ravenna, the Countessa is a wild and passionate woman who does not suffer fools gladly. She rules from her eirie high in the mountains of Follari North and remains the highest ranked and most staunch of Countess Cassandra Hawkwood's allies. Some analysts and commentators believe that without the support of Trusnikron Urroc air-cavalry and beast masters the forces of Austrum West might already occupy portions of their neighbouring island.
Baronet Theodore Gangrel Trusnikron
One of the guests at the St Gavin's day tournament and noted Urroc rider. The Baronet still fosters a desire to see Sir Hasimir Fenrig Torenson paid out for his conduct and treatment of the Trusnikron's stable boy.
Non-noble characters:
Father Konrad
An Orthodox cleric who was investigating the Husk "incident" near Deepcore 101 and seems to suspect Sir Hasimir is not blameless. He charged Lady Althea with watching the Torenson knight and reporting back to him.
Cassie
A psychic peasant girl the Cadre encountered in Deepcore 104. She was taken by the Church and now serves as a Penitent Psychic, seemingly under the auspice of Father Konrad.
Boss "Frisky" Wilson
A Scraver boss in Suryada who arranged the cargo jobs for Mr Lawrence
Chief Louie
A Charioteer trader operating out of Deepcore 101 who bought the recovered genelocks from the cadre in exchange for cash and his old starship.
House Hawkwood:
Planetary Duke Cassius Hawkwood
Staid and traditional, like most of the inhabitants of his world, the Duke is the ruler of the planet Ravenna
Baron Christopher Windsor Hawkwood
Recently raised to the rank of Baron by Planetary Duke Cassius after helping to unearth the identity of the assailant who tried to take the Duke's life some years ago, Baron Christopher has been appointed as the steward of the Justinian lands (The Midden Barony, Deepcore 104, South Follari) that have been taken as part of the investigation into the extent of the betrayal and plot against the Duke.
Sir Bedevere Hawkwood
Baron Christopher's younger brother. Seemingly uninterested in politics he serves his House as a part of the Hawkwood navy, commanding a Wayfarer class Explorer in patrolling the Ravenna system
Countess Cassandra Hawkwood
The half-Justinian ruler of Austrum East. More concerned with scholarly pursuits (particularly marine biology) than the war she finds herself in. Half sister of De Havilland. Currently out of favour at court largely due to the manipulations of her step-mother (but not helped by the scandal that seemed to follow her own mother).
Count Otto Kierkagaard Hawkwood
Ruler of Austrum West, contester of his father's Last Will & Testament, instigator of teh Austum War and oldest brother of De Havilland. Ex-soldier, accomplished military strategist and leader of men. Boorish and prone to violent rages. Very much the stereotypical "lord of the manor"
Baron Cuthbert Mountbatten Hawkwood
The young baron who took over the lands of his brother, Baron Cedric, after his murder at the hands of the renegade Scraver, Façade.
House Justinian:
Earl Kiruda Quentin Justinian
The earl is a hardened military man and a veteran of many campaigns who has taken enforced “retirement” as one of the landed gentry very badly. It is probably fair to say that he tolerates the barons below him as a necessary indulgence; if they run their fiefs without having to involve him directly that’s fine. He can get on with hunting, walking his hounds and what little martial practise his wife and physician will permit him. However recent events have forced him to attend court far more than he is otherwise comfortable with as he petitions Duke Cassius for clemency on behalf of Baroness Helena. He fears the loss of Justinian lands to the Hawkwoods and is concerned that forces within his own House see him as weakened are now conspiring to depose him.
Baroness Helena Midden Justinian
Mother of the "Traitor Arcadia" Baroness Helena is now a prisoner of the Hawkwoods and is rumoured to be held within the planetary capital of Suryada. How she fares remains a closely guarded secret.
General Sir Anthony Masseri Justinian
The General (as he insists on being referred to) in contrast to his wife has recently, and quite publically, been released to "house arrest" within the capital and is rapidly gaining notoriety in social circles as an entertaining, if clownish, dinner guest (particularly amongst those looking for a little salacious gossip or intrigue - which he seems willing to provide for a good meal and plenty of attention)
Sir Tarquin Midden Justinian
The sixteen year old is the eldest remaining child of Dame Helena and is now a ward of Duke Cassius. Nominally the Midden Barony belongs to him and is being ruled in his stead by the Baron as "caretaker/steward". He was last seen in public returning to his family lands in the company of Baron Christopher and regiments of the Duke's personal guard, but is reported to be in excellent health and well engaged in the continuation of his studies.
Lady Stephanie Justinian
The Baroness & General's youngest child, Stephanie has rarely stepped outside of her family's lands throughout the thirteen years of her young life. She remains quite reclusive but has occasionally been seen accompanying Baron Christopher at functions and on tours of his "occupied" lands.
Baron Tochiro Justinian
Sir Hemlock's father, the Baron is a regal looking man, his fair hair now peppered with silver. He stands a good six feet tall and still maintains the athletic build of his youth. Personally he is traditional and very formal in outlook; some might describe him as both cold and aloof, attributes that have gained him much support and many allies amongst the Ravennan Hawkwoods. Never a notable warrior he always saw himself more as a politician and ruler and as such spends most of his time away from his fief on “diplomatic missions” for Justinian interests. As such he leaves the running of things in the hands of his trusted retainer and bondsman, Master Alfredo Garcia.
Baroness Emeraldas Al Malik Justinian
Baroness Emeraldas is Hemlock's mother and the baron’s second wife, his first having died during the delivery of his first (stillborn) son Eustace (4960-4960). The Baron remained in mourning for some years until he could be convinced to wed for the benefit of the house. That was not to say that he did not have “companions” during that time but he seemed averse to making a formal commitment again. For her part the current Baroness has always appeared the perfect wife for the Baron; demure, enchanting, witty and many believe that the ties to Al Malik have smoothed some previous issues that that previously faced Sector 42 when dealing with the Guilds.
Master Alfredo Garcia
Master Alfredo was present with the Baron on a diplomatic mission to Delphi when the tragedy struck the household that robbed the Baron of his daughter and most of his household staff. As the most senior surviving retainer at the time Alfredo stepped up and took control of the running of things and has remained so ever since. Trained by the Reeves, Alfredo was born into service in the Baron’s household and has remained so ever since. Some still gossip that he has taken advantage of his master’s frequent absences to secretly extend the fief's mine workings and line his own pockets in the process.
Baroness Phillipa "Peppa" Abalone Justinian
Old "grand dame" and ruler of the Deepcore 104 fief "The Barony of Abalone". Geriatric and far past her best she steadfastly refuses to relinquish her grip on her fief. Her one remaining child, Sir Basil Justinian is almost as infirm as she.
Baron Turmeric Justinian
Ruler of "The Folly", the fief that sits above The Midden Barony, Turmeric is a member of the "non-traditionalist" Justinian faction and an open supporter of it's leader and figurehead, Princess Carolandra (as was Dame Arcadia). He steadfastly refuses to marry, arguing it depletes the House but has large harem of concubines all of whom are sworn to the Justinian House.
Baron Samuel Justinian
Lord of "Quentin's Retreat", another Justinian fief within Deepcore 104, the Baron is an academic and learned student of the humanities. He has a reputation for maintaining one of the finest and most diverse libraries on the planet.
Lady Saffron Justinian
Lady Saffron is one of Earl Kiruda's knights and is steward of the fief of "Crofters Holt", one of the Earl's own holdings within Deepcore 104 and neighbour to The Midden Barony.
Other Nobles of note:
Count Innocence Decados
Highest ranking member of House Decados on Ravenna. Since the events of the St Gavin's day Tournament the Count has become much more visible at court. As ever he very rarely says or does anything notable in public but the fact that the previously elusive Count is deigning to appear worries and fascinates many spectators.
Countessa Morgana Trusnikron
Ruler of the Trusnikrons on Ravenna, the Countessa is a wild and passionate woman who does not suffer fools gladly. She rules from her eirie high in the mountains of Follari North and remains the highest ranked and most staunch of Countess Cassandra Hawkwood's allies. Some analysts and commentators believe that without the support of Trusnikron Urroc air-cavalry and beast masters the forces of Austrum West might already occupy portions of their neighbouring island.
Baronet Theodore Gangrel Trusnikron
One of the guests at the St Gavin's day tournament and noted Urroc rider. The Baronet still fosters a desire to see Sir Hasimir Fenrig Torenson paid out for his conduct and treatment of the Trusnikron's stable boy.
Non-noble characters:
Father Konrad
An Orthodox cleric who was investigating the Husk "incident" near Deepcore 101 and seems to suspect Sir Hasimir is not blameless. He charged Lady Althea with watching the Torenson knight and reporting back to him.
Cassie
A psychic peasant girl the Cadre encountered in Deepcore 104. She was taken by the Church and now serves as a Penitent Psychic, seemingly under the auspice of Father Konrad.
Boss "Frisky" Wilson
A Scraver boss in Suryada who arranged the cargo jobs for Mr Lawrence
Chief Louie
A Charioteer trader operating out of Deepcore 101 who bought the recovered genelocks from the cadre in exchange for cash and his old starship.
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
Building a Vorox
So my 13 year old son is looking to change character again (he initially ran Brother Josay, then Beorn and currently Engineer Mort) and he'd hit on the idea of playing a Vorox that the cadre recruit as the Bo'sun on the ship.
Frankly an over excited teenage boy playing and over excited 10 foot tall, six limbed alien in charge of crew discipline? What's not to like?
Now, as you may have seen, we make good use of miniatures in our games (I find it helps players visualize things and leads to less arguments over who can see/do what, plus I LOVE making models...) so a new Vorox character presented a new challenge; A Vorox miniature. Back in the day there was a vorox figure produced as part of the limited run of miniatures produced by Holistic Design. However it's a) now rarer than rocking horse droppings b) honestly not all that "vorox-y" when you consider the source artwork (a restriction of casting in metals at the time, I'd guess).
Therefore it was off to the bits box for components. I had a rummage and found some Star Wars "Yuzzem" aliens I didn't mind cutting up and so started work.....
I'm actually quite proud how it turned out. He was actually quite a joy to paint. Next I ought to do some images of him next to "normal" cadre members just so you see the scale of the beast....
Frankly an over excited teenage boy playing and over excited 10 foot tall, six limbed alien in charge of crew discipline? What's not to like?
Now, as you may have seen, we make good use of miniatures in our games (I find it helps players visualize things and leads to less arguments over who can see/do what, plus I LOVE making models...) so a new Vorox character presented a new challenge; A Vorox miniature. Back in the day there was a vorox figure produced as part of the limited run of miniatures produced by Holistic Design. However it's a) now rarer than rocking horse droppings b) honestly not all that "vorox-y" when you consider the source artwork (a restriction of casting in metals at the time, I'd guess).
Therefore it was off to the bits box for components. I had a rummage and found some Star Wars "Yuzzem" aliens I didn't mind cutting up and so started work.....
Above: All the gathered components cut and filed
Above: The assembled Vorox. The yellow stuff is two-part epoxy clay used to fill gaps and cover a multitude of sins and mistakes....
Above: The assembled Vorox, a slightly different view.
Above: Undercoated...
Above: The final piece.
Thursday, 4 September 2014
Memorable NPCs
Back in days of yore, when I was young and, in all likelihood, you were even younger (if you were even born...), the main RPG I ran was Marvel Superheroes Advanced by TSR (now Wizards of the Coast). At the time the company's house magazine was "Dragon" and while I wasn't a big D&D player I'd often fork out the cash to get it for ideas, especially if there was a Marvel related article.
One particular article, which I cut out and kept to this day was all about making memorable NPCs. The arguement was simple - the players could potentially meet hundreds of concerned citizens, scientific experts, pushy cops etc all of which could be cookie cutter stereotypes and easily forgotten but a simple way to lift your game above the usual is it make those pieces of mobile scenery or plot vehicles memorable. I took this to heart and try to always lift the NPCs in my games beyond mere "set dressing". To do so I use the following as simple benchmarks:
1.Use memorable names - Stan Lee used alliteration when he named characters simply to help him remember his own creations' names, if that works for you, great! Personally I tend to use plays on words (often I'm the only one who gets the joke...) or a reference to the role the character plays or some other aspect of the character. e.g the villainous Scraver Façade is nothing if not "false faced".
2.Give each NPC a memorable trait - it doesn't have to be much, it doesn't have to be earth shattering but just something "different" - The dock hand who constantly has a lit smoke in hand, the war vet with the filligree'd brass cyberarm, when the rest of his replacement bionics are greasy brushed steel, the Muster boss who always bows in the presence of a lady. Don't overdo it though - just a single element can give a distinction to set the person out from the crowd but load them up with attributes and they become a parody which will detract from the overall story and flow of the game
3.Act it - I'm a GM who tends to try to give his all; I tend to run games standing up, I move about, strike poses, rub my hands together gleefully as a scrap dealer, always hold a cup or glass in my hand when I'm slurring out the drunken commands of a gin-soaked nobleman. My players know me for my "memorable" character voices (when one of our guys first watched "The Phantom Menace" when Watto teh Toydarian first spoke he was alledgedly heard to say "That's a Ben voice!") I'm not good at impressions (my "John Peel" is abysmal) but they are memorable. Voice conveys alot of character - it's a great shorthand for helping players get a gauge for what are otherwise just numbers and words rather than living people - the same with actions and body language. It doesn't need to be an oscar winning performnce just something that the players will remember for the next time they meet the character, or simply when they are relating the stories about the game to friends. Now I guess that there may be some reading this who will find this the hardest advice to take on board and implement but believe me once you start the easier it becomes and the more involved you will find the players becoming.
An immediate question might be why bother? These are after all the supporting cast, not the heroes of our tales. I'd suggest the reasons are threefold:
1.It helps the players - Bless 'em, there's a lot going on in plots and games - especially when you are sat on the player side and haven't got the advantage of seeing the "big picture" plot. You'll probably have heard of the phrase "Putting a face to the name" - this is a way of doing that in game without having a cast of hundreds sat in your living room. Having these memorable "tags" that the players can use to associate with NPCs will help them order the flow of events in their minds and keep abrest of what's going on, to who, where and when.
2.It helps the GM - Memorable traits are as much a shorthand and aid memoir for a GM as for players. You have all of the Known Worlds to manage! If knowing that the arms dealer they last spoke to on Criticorum had a peg leg and clockwork parrot it's a mnemonic that will help trigger a whole bunch of other recollections about the character and what happened last time they met.
3.It makes it all a little more real - We know this is all a game. This is a fantasy setting where spaceships are sailed through an ocean of black by a motley assortment of noble knights, pious priests, money-grabbing guilders, mystics, psychics and ne'er do wells...this is by no means real. However, in my personal experience rpgs are at their best when the players and GM have some sort of emotional investment in the game, something which is very hard to create when it is "only a game". Having memorable NPCs can help to do that; you are adding a touch of uniqueness to these faceless characters, just a small touch of individuality. It will add a hint of realism to the campaign and it does pay off.
To be completely honest I think that trying to apply these techniques has been the source some of the success of my own games and I'll hopefully publish a few more specifics in forthcoming posts...
One particular article, which I cut out and kept to this day was all about making memorable NPCs. The arguement was simple - the players could potentially meet hundreds of concerned citizens, scientific experts, pushy cops etc all of which could be cookie cutter stereotypes and easily forgotten but a simple way to lift your game above the usual is it make those pieces of mobile scenery or plot vehicles memorable. I took this to heart and try to always lift the NPCs in my games beyond mere "set dressing". To do so I use the following as simple benchmarks:
1.Use memorable names - Stan Lee used alliteration when he named characters simply to help him remember his own creations' names, if that works for you, great! Personally I tend to use plays on words (often I'm the only one who gets the joke...) or a reference to the role the character plays or some other aspect of the character. e.g the villainous Scraver Façade is nothing if not "false faced".
2.Give each NPC a memorable trait - it doesn't have to be much, it doesn't have to be earth shattering but just something "different" - The dock hand who constantly has a lit smoke in hand, the war vet with the filligree'd brass cyberarm, when the rest of his replacement bionics are greasy brushed steel, the Muster boss who always bows in the presence of a lady. Don't overdo it though - just a single element can give a distinction to set the person out from the crowd but load them up with attributes and they become a parody which will detract from the overall story and flow of the game
3.Act it - I'm a GM who tends to try to give his all; I tend to run games standing up, I move about, strike poses, rub my hands together gleefully as a scrap dealer, always hold a cup or glass in my hand when I'm slurring out the drunken commands of a gin-soaked nobleman. My players know me for my "memorable" character voices (when one of our guys first watched "The Phantom Menace" when Watto teh Toydarian first spoke he was alledgedly heard to say "That's a Ben voice!") I'm not good at impressions (my "John Peel" is abysmal) but they are memorable. Voice conveys alot of character - it's a great shorthand for helping players get a gauge for what are otherwise just numbers and words rather than living people - the same with actions and body language. It doesn't need to be an oscar winning performnce just something that the players will remember for the next time they meet the character, or simply when they are relating the stories about the game to friends. Now I guess that there may be some reading this who will find this the hardest advice to take on board and implement but believe me once you start the easier it becomes and the more involved you will find the players becoming.
An immediate question might be why bother? These are after all the supporting cast, not the heroes of our tales. I'd suggest the reasons are threefold:
1.It helps the players - Bless 'em, there's a lot going on in plots and games - especially when you are sat on the player side and haven't got the advantage of seeing the "big picture" plot. You'll probably have heard of the phrase "Putting a face to the name" - this is a way of doing that in game without having a cast of hundreds sat in your living room. Having these memorable "tags" that the players can use to associate with NPCs will help them order the flow of events in their minds and keep abrest of what's going on, to who, where and when.
2.It helps the GM - Memorable traits are as much a shorthand and aid memoir for a GM as for players. You have all of the Known Worlds to manage! If knowing that the arms dealer they last spoke to on Criticorum had a peg leg and clockwork parrot it's a mnemonic that will help trigger a whole bunch of other recollections about the character and what happened last time they met.
3.It makes it all a little more real - We know this is all a game. This is a fantasy setting where spaceships are sailed through an ocean of black by a motley assortment of noble knights, pious priests, money-grabbing guilders, mystics, psychics and ne'er do wells...this is by no means real. However, in my personal experience rpgs are at their best when the players and GM have some sort of emotional investment in the game, something which is very hard to create when it is "only a game". Having memorable NPCs can help to do that; you are adding a touch of uniqueness to these faceless characters, just a small touch of individuality. It will add a hint of realism to the campaign and it does pay off.
To be completely honest I think that trying to apply these techniques has been the source some of the success of my own games and I'll hopefully publish a few more specifics in forthcoming posts...
More NPC miniatures
I've still been beavering away on more miniatures for our campaign and here are some samples...
Above: Count Innocence Decados accompanied by two of his House Guard
Above: Baronet Theodore Gangrel Trusnikron. I'm particularly proud of the House emblem his back banner.
Above: A generic "traditional noble" that I've used for Sir Selwyn Justinian and could see use as a Hawkwood.
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
Revising De Havilland
So I originally created this miniature for The Marquis Anton De Havilland Hawkwood...
He's a soldier, a Questing Knight and skilled marksman...I'd discussed it at length with the player and it seemed right...then we started play... It became apparent that De Havilland wasn't quite like that. He is all those things but he's a much more practical man. He has a title but he's not a man of means. What he has he's invested in his kit and gear. Plus he doesn't carry a rifle, he leads the charge and is used to front line assaults. His weapons of choice became a two handed sword and a full auto shotgun. The miniature just wouldn't do - it was a distraction from what he was really like and therefore pointless*. So I went back to the drawing board.
Above is what I came up with....lots of cutting and filing, bits from fantasy and sci-fi kits and even some generic military models...
Then on went the base coat - the player suggested that his colours weren't the traditional reds of his family but would be blues (the horse rampant of his personal heraldry was kept - but is only on the shield slung on his back).
Washes, highlights and detail later we have our finished De Havilland mk. II.
* Miniatures are great in play - as long as they add more than they detract. If they really don't match what they are trying to illustrate or become a physical distraction (players fiddling with them rather than focusing on play) then they shouldn't be used.
Tuesday, 19 August 2014
Fading Suns in miniature...
I do like miniatures, I like converting them and painting them. I'm not that good at either, but any excuse.... Having a new roleplaying game campaign is such an excuse so I've had the bitz box out and created characters for our main characters. Here's a couple of pictures...
So it begins...
So after being a fan of the 1st edition of the Fading Suns Roleplaying Game (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fading_Suns) but never having a chance to run it I stumbled across the new Revised edition books in our local game store the other week (oh, ok my friend who runs the store held them in front of me and essentially said "You NEED these..."). Three days after buying the books I found myself running a new campaign for our weekly gaming group 
The concept of the campaign is currently that the players are the entourage of a young & able Justinian Knight, Dame (she prefers "Lady") Arcadia Justinian (hence the name of this blog...). Things are not quite as they seem, but when are they? Hopefully all of that will come out over time....
Dramatis Personae (the player characters):
Sir Hemlock Justinian - Justinian knight, childhood friend & cousin of Dame Arcadia Justinian. Was sent away as a youth to apprentice with the Charioteer guild before returning to his household
Sir Hassimir Fenring Torenson - A landless knight from House Torenson. Hassimir has been employed/tasked with acting as an advisor to Dame Arcadia seeing as her House consider her somewhat uncouth and un-lady-like
Mister Lawrence - A Guilder from the Scravers. He is an expert in "acquisitions" and has entered into a contract with Dame Arcadia for shady & undefined reasons.
Proctor (Brother) Josay - A missionary from the Eskatonic Order of the Church. A secret Psychic, when Arcadia was told she needed to appoint a Confessor she chose this quiet, unassuming and a little strange, wandering priest who's turned up preaching to the serfs who live in her family's holding.
Marquis De Havilland Hawkwood - A Hawkwood noble and old friend of Arcadia's. He has always been a soldier and has now sworn allegiance to the Emperor and joined his order of Imperial Knights (The Order of the Phoenix). He bears an Imperial charter and as such carries the Emperor's authority, he is also the highest social rank of anyone in the group.
We ran a session of character generation and followed that with the first "proper" game. The characters have found themselves on Ravenna (Arcadia's home world within Hawkwood space) and they are guests of local young Baron. The Baron has organised a five day jousting tourney, nominally to celebrate the festival of St Gavin of Syrgada but really because he likes a party and wants to impress Dame Arcadia.
Key points so far:
* They've met a lot of the cast of nobles (& Appleby the Barona's Major Domo) I think they are already suspicious of the Decados Count who is attending.
* Hassimir & De Havilland have both agreed to compete in the joust
* Hassimir had to take Arcadia to one side to try to convince her to wear a gown, rather than a dress uniform, for the opening ceremonial dinner. He lost the argument
* The guys were very entertained by the tale of Saint Gavin (who is known for defending a Dormouse farm from a Vuldrock raiding force armed only with a Spatula) and Hemlock got into trouble with a priest when he tried to draw too near to the Holy Spatula (which is now considered an Orthodox Relic
* Arcadia & De Havilland were invited to dine at the top table with Baron Cedric and other honoured guests (her brother, the Decados, the Bishop and a Truniskron Baronet)
* The Baron very obviously wants to court Arcadia
* After dinner the Baron unveiled the "mounts" for the joust - a set of rare hover bikes. The Trusnikron Baronet is outraged after being prepared to ride and face exotic beasts while most of the rest of the nobles are bemused.
* The following day the joust is opened with the Baron facing Sir Jet Li Halan. The Baron wins convincingly.
* 2nd bout of the day is De Havilland vs Count Innocence Decados. The count seems to be aiming to strike (to score single points but wound his opponent) rather than knock down his opponent (harder to do, less incapacitating but scores 3pts). 1st round Count 1pt vs Marquis 1pt, 2nd round the Marquis knocks down the count but takes another hit: Count 2 vs Marquis 4, 3rd & final round the Count misses while the Marquis strikes him, the Marquis wins but is critically injured and succumbs to unconsciousness.
As a tease for the next session I then circulated the following teaser scenes to my players:
The Hospital tent curtain was torn open as Baron Cedric burst in upon teh Marquis De Havilland. The Marquis was attended by a group of industrious medical staff. He lay on a gurney, having been stripped of his armour. His worst wounds already dressed as the physickcians started pumping precious Elixir into him.
The Baron was permitted to draw close (who of his own staff would dare refuse him?) and he clasped De Havilland's hand tightly and leaned close to his face. Even semi-conscious the knight caught the grain alcohol on the baron's breath.
"Brother! That cur to have done this to you! I will see you well, my staff shall expend their full resources to have you fit for the next round! I saw it all, or saw enough and heard plenty. My men-at-arms say he struck to wound, not dismount each time. That insolent Decados whelp! When I invited him and his brat I never expected them to actually come! They never come to social events! This is my fault, and I will deal with that scoundrel! You mark my wordszzzzzz" The rest of the Baron's words were lost to De Havilland as the soothing Elixir lulled him into a deep unconsciousness as it began to do it's duty.
***
Hassimir had collected some food from one of the hospitality tables after while the Tilt was cleared and prepared for the third bout. De Havilland's care was well in hand things weren't to awful. Why the Scraver couldn't get his own snacks though...still it seemed that Arcadia wanted him for something at that precise moment so Hassimir did as he was asked. Dormouse pate, Apricot chutney, a selection of warmed nuts (in this weather?) and some crudités, that should keep the Guilder and priest quiet for five minutes. The bottle of wine (a delightful looking '93) was Hassimir's.
"Sir? Excuse me, Sir Fenring Torenson?" The voice came from a young, very well turned out noble loitering by the side of the bleachers. Hassimir recognised the familiar resemblance, it was Selwyn, Arcadia's younger brother.
"Sir Selwyn, how may I..?" The young fellow had already stepped forwards and taken a vegetable stick and dipped it in the pate.
*crunch* "Well, sher Towenshun, I need to shpeak wid you in tha capashitty as my shisters advisher."
"Sir?"
*noisy swallow* "You may have noticed that our host, the Baron, is unwed and he seeks a suitable union. He has determined that my adorable sister would make a good wife, Pancreator knows why, the woman is an absolute bore, anyway our House considers this a good and suitable match, strengthening ties etc...I need you.." he prods Hassimir's chest gently for emphasis "to ensure she sees this is the right choice and a suitable path for her. Got it? Jolly good." Taking anther crudité loaded with pate and chutney the young knight spun on his immaculate heels and headed back towards his seat.
***
Mister Lawrence pulled open the competitor tent doorway to find Dame Arcadia in a state of undress. He knew by now that this caused her no embarrassment when in front of those she considered allies or equals. Apparently he still fell into that category.
"You sent for me, m'lady?"
"Yes Lawrence." She continued to apply the grease she applied before donning her armour. "I have need of your exceptional services."
"Our contract still holds...what do you need?"
"Information. I didn't trust that Decados Count when I saw that he was here. I trust him less now he has sent a dear friend to the hospital. Find out what you can. Decados do all things for a purpose, the Count does not socialize unless in the capital, and then only rarely. To emerge from his self imposed exile now...there is a reason, and I would know it."
The concept of the campaign is currently that the players are the entourage of a young & able Justinian Knight, Dame (she prefers "Lady") Arcadia Justinian (hence the name of this blog...). Things are not quite as they seem, but when are they? Hopefully all of that will come out over time....
Dramatis Personae (the player characters):
Sir Hemlock Justinian - Justinian knight, childhood friend & cousin of Dame Arcadia Justinian. Was sent away as a youth to apprentice with the Charioteer guild before returning to his household
Sir Hassimir Fenring Torenson - A landless knight from House Torenson. Hassimir has been employed/tasked with acting as an advisor to Dame Arcadia seeing as her House consider her somewhat uncouth and un-lady-like
Mister Lawrence - A Guilder from the Scravers. He is an expert in "acquisitions" and has entered into a contract with Dame Arcadia for shady & undefined reasons.
Proctor (Brother) Josay - A missionary from the Eskatonic Order of the Church. A secret Psychic, when Arcadia was told she needed to appoint a Confessor she chose this quiet, unassuming and a little strange, wandering priest who's turned up preaching to the serfs who live in her family's holding.
Marquis De Havilland Hawkwood - A Hawkwood noble and old friend of Arcadia's. He has always been a soldier and has now sworn allegiance to the Emperor and joined his order of Imperial Knights (The Order of the Phoenix). He bears an Imperial charter and as such carries the Emperor's authority, he is also the highest social rank of anyone in the group.
We ran a session of character generation and followed that with the first "proper" game. The characters have found themselves on Ravenna (Arcadia's home world within Hawkwood space) and they are guests of local young Baron. The Baron has organised a five day jousting tourney, nominally to celebrate the festival of St Gavin of Syrgada but really because he likes a party and wants to impress Dame Arcadia.
Key points so far:
* They've met a lot of the cast of nobles (& Appleby the Barona's Major Domo) I think they are already suspicious of the Decados Count who is attending.
* Hassimir & De Havilland have both agreed to compete in the joust
* Hassimir had to take Arcadia to one side to try to convince her to wear a gown, rather than a dress uniform, for the opening ceremonial dinner. He lost the argument
* The guys were very entertained by the tale of Saint Gavin (who is known for defending a Dormouse farm from a Vuldrock raiding force armed only with a Spatula) and Hemlock got into trouble with a priest when he tried to draw too near to the Holy Spatula (which is now considered an Orthodox Relic
* Arcadia & De Havilland were invited to dine at the top table with Baron Cedric and other honoured guests (her brother, the Decados, the Bishop and a Truniskron Baronet)
* The Baron very obviously wants to court Arcadia
* After dinner the Baron unveiled the "mounts" for the joust - a set of rare hover bikes. The Trusnikron Baronet is outraged after being prepared to ride and face exotic beasts while most of the rest of the nobles are bemused.
* The following day the joust is opened with the Baron facing Sir Jet Li Halan. The Baron wins convincingly.
* 2nd bout of the day is De Havilland vs Count Innocence Decados. The count seems to be aiming to strike (to score single points but wound his opponent) rather than knock down his opponent (harder to do, less incapacitating but scores 3pts). 1st round Count 1pt vs Marquis 1pt, 2nd round the Marquis knocks down the count but takes another hit: Count 2 vs Marquis 4, 3rd & final round the Count misses while the Marquis strikes him, the Marquis wins but is critically injured and succumbs to unconsciousness.
As a tease for the next session I then circulated the following teaser scenes to my players:
The Hospital tent curtain was torn open as Baron Cedric burst in upon teh Marquis De Havilland. The Marquis was attended by a group of industrious medical staff. He lay on a gurney, having been stripped of his armour. His worst wounds already dressed as the physickcians started pumping precious Elixir into him.
The Baron was permitted to draw close (who of his own staff would dare refuse him?) and he clasped De Havilland's hand tightly and leaned close to his face. Even semi-conscious the knight caught the grain alcohol on the baron's breath.
"Brother! That cur to have done this to you! I will see you well, my staff shall expend their full resources to have you fit for the next round! I saw it all, or saw enough and heard plenty. My men-at-arms say he struck to wound, not dismount each time. That insolent Decados whelp! When I invited him and his brat I never expected them to actually come! They never come to social events! This is my fault, and I will deal with that scoundrel! You mark my wordszzzzzz" The rest of the Baron's words were lost to De Havilland as the soothing Elixir lulled him into a deep unconsciousness as it began to do it's duty.
***
Hassimir had collected some food from one of the hospitality tables after while the Tilt was cleared and prepared for the third bout. De Havilland's care was well in hand things weren't to awful. Why the Scraver couldn't get his own snacks though...still it seemed that Arcadia wanted him for something at that precise moment so Hassimir did as he was asked. Dormouse pate, Apricot chutney, a selection of warmed nuts (in this weather?) and some crudités, that should keep the Guilder and priest quiet for five minutes. The bottle of wine (a delightful looking '93) was Hassimir's.
"Sir? Excuse me, Sir Fenring Torenson?" The voice came from a young, very well turned out noble loitering by the side of the bleachers. Hassimir recognised the familiar resemblance, it was Selwyn, Arcadia's younger brother.
"Sir Selwyn, how may I..?" The young fellow had already stepped forwards and taken a vegetable stick and dipped it in the pate.
*crunch* "Well, sher Towenshun, I need to shpeak wid you in tha capashitty as my shisters advisher."
"Sir?"
*noisy swallow* "You may have noticed that our host, the Baron, is unwed and he seeks a suitable union. He has determined that my adorable sister would make a good wife, Pancreator knows why, the woman is an absolute bore, anyway our House considers this a good and suitable match, strengthening ties etc...I need you.." he prods Hassimir's chest gently for emphasis "to ensure she sees this is the right choice and a suitable path for her. Got it? Jolly good." Taking anther crudité loaded with pate and chutney the young knight spun on his immaculate heels and headed back towards his seat.
***
Mister Lawrence pulled open the competitor tent doorway to find Dame Arcadia in a state of undress. He knew by now that this caused her no embarrassment when in front of those she considered allies or equals. Apparently he still fell into that category.
"You sent for me, m'lady?"
"Yes Lawrence." She continued to apply the grease she applied before donning her armour. "I have need of your exceptional services."
"Our contract still holds...what do you need?"
"Information. I didn't trust that Decados Count when I saw that he was here. I trust him less now he has sent a dear friend to the hospital. Find out what you can. Decados do all things for a purpose, the Count does not socialize unless in the capital, and then only rarely. To emerge from his self imposed exile now...there is a reason, and I would know it."
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