- GM’s note: Continuing on the adventures of Ethan …..
Grant (played by David) will return in the near future. We still need to run the remainder of Courts of Shadow Fey (as a flashback) before moving onto new adventures.
I’m continuing to use Vergence (FitD) mechanics. Ethan and Grant are Tier 3 in this system and we’re only rolling dice where they are actually challenged. Otherwise it remains Diceless….
Vergence is produced by Small Cool Games and can be found here: https://smallcoolgames.itch.io/vergence
Regarding the Tyrnador setting, this is a Savage Worlds setting produced by Gramel. I’ve had a lot of fun running this setting for two separate groups - one as a Savage Worlds game and one as a diceless game for Grant and Ethan. Here is the link to Tyrnador: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/3554/GRAmel/subcategory/6186_31979/Tyrnador
Return to Tyrnador
- Ethan and Isabelle return to the safety of the Athenaeum. Ethan wants a meal and a hot shower. Isabelle wants to study the treasures that they have recovered - she is planning to return to the Voidship as soon as she has studied the ‘brain’.
- Ethan makes vegetable soup and sits down to slowly eat it. After a while Hilda comes into the kitchen area, wearing her warm travelling clothes and her Gryffindor beanie. Her expression is sour (Rolled ‘2’ on 2D for her reaction - hence unfavourable) and she asks him flatly if they can leave now. Ethan is feeling very tired but he can see that Hilda is upset. He tries to explain the importance of what he and Isabelle are doing (he makes a Persuade roll and gets a ‘4’). She reluctantly accepts the situation but presses to leave, saying that he promised that they would go to the Tournament at Tyvar. Ethan relents and agrees to leave once he’s finished his meal and freshened up. Hilda nods her agreement and goes to make sure that his bag is packed.
- Ethan feels very tired but he prepares to depart. Isabelle is surprised when Ethan tells her that they are leaving - he kisses her goodbye and Isabelle thanks him ‘for the adventure’. Hilda is cold towards Isabelle as they leave - she doesn’t even say goodbye.
- Hilda hardly says a word as they make their way along the Grand Stair back to the Door to Tyrnador. (Rolled ‘2’ for her reaction) She seems to be quite mad and is giving Ethan the ‘silent treatment’.
- They arrive back in the city of Scarlet without incident. Many days have passed since they departed and Ethan has to hunt to find Sir Athalos. (He succeeds with a Critical on 3D) Fortunately Sir Athalos and his party are easy to find. He has caught them just in time at the Sleeping Dragon Inn. They were preparing to depart the next day. Sir Athalos is pleased to see them both, and Hilda is relieved that they have caught the Knights of Scarlet in time.
The Journey North
- Ethan books a room for the night and goes to search for a pony for Hilda to ride on the journey north to Tyvar. He is successful in finding a pony named Dix that looks to be the right size and temperament for her, and he also purchases an older horse named Brega who seems suitable for riding. That evening, Ethan falls asleep early.
- The next day they depart Scarlet along with a party of knights and two elves (Girion and Alvander). With them go a handful of wagons heading with them for protection. Both Hilda and Ethan have some difficulty with their new mounts. Dix is good natured but is unused to long journeys and quickly tires. Hilda is also unused to riding and she ends up saddlesore. In contrast, Ethan finds that Brega is a little too enthusiastic and he wants to keep up with the warhorses that the knights are riding. When Dix begins to fall behind, Ethan has to press Brega to slow down.
- Hilda is not as close to Sir Athalos’ squire (Poe) as she would like, but she seems content to be in the party with him and able to observe him from afar. She makes a friend on the journey - a girl named Mabel who travels on one of the wagons. Mabel is fascinated that Hilda can read (Mabel catches her reading a dog-eared paperback copy of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”) and before long, Hilda is reading the story aloud to a small group of interested children and adults when the party stops for the night. Hilda forgets being angry with Ethan (rolled a ‘6’ on 3D) and begins talking to him again.
- The knights tend to ride together with their squires in a separate group. Ethan finds that he fits into neither group and he tends to stay close to Hilda. On the journey he has conversations with many people, the most notable of which is Sir Amlyn. Sir Amlyn is a young knight who has heard of Ethan’s reputation as a ‘Dragonslayer’. Embarrassed, Ethan plays down the situation and asks Sir Amlyn to be discreet with the information.
- The journey to Tyvar along the King’s Road is handled as a 4-clock. Multiple Traverse rolls are made and the party reaches its destination without incident. No one is foolish enough to attack a party which is guided by armoured knights.
- During the journey, Hilda asks Ethan what she can do to ‘make Poe like’ her. She has noticed him listening to her storytelling, though he never sits as close as the children. Ethan gently points out that Poe is fifteen or sixteen years old, and Hilda appears to be a child of perhaps ten or eleven years old. If friendship is what she is seeking, he encourages her to find some common ground with Poe. Hilda is intelligent and has a clever mind. Why would he not want to be her friend? He encourages her to be brave and talk to him.
- As time passes, Hilda seems content to observe Poe at a distance and says nothing. Then on the third morning of the journey she spots Poe sparring with one of the other squires (a lad named Pelmet) and she decides to walk over. Pelmet is older and more skilled than Poe, but there is no animosity between them as they train. As they catch their breath, Hilda asks if she can join in the practice. Poe is surprised but Pelmet good-naturedly offers her a blade. Hilda quickly ties her hair back and accepts the blade.
- She apologises for being a bit rusty (Engage 2D → 6) but then proceeds to show that she has used a blade before. Pelmet attempts to ‘go easy’ on her, but quickly finds out that this is a mistake. Despite having the appearance of a child, she is strong and quick. Some of the knights watch the swordplay with amusement on their faces. Pelmet frowns as he is driven back, and then he sees the humour in the situation and laughs loudly at it.
- With a broad smile on his face, Sir Amyln comes over to watch. He calls out to Pelmet that he seems to have ‘met his match’ and that clearly ‘looks can be deceiving’. After about ten minutes of sparring where Pelmet has been driven all over the field, Pelmet yields. Hilda is flushed but still willing to continue. She asks if anyone else will spar with her, but Sir Athalos calls out that this is enough for today.
- Ethan watches this display with interest. He has never seen Hilda use a blade. He suspected that she would have gained in strength given that she has travelled with him for a long time, but he has never seen evidence of this until now. He comments quietly that Poe will surely have noticed her now. He asks when she last used a sword. As soon as he asks the question, Ethan realises that this is a difficult topic for her. She visibly tenses and then changes the topic. She asks if only boys can become squires, and then knights.
- It takes Ethan a moment to process her question. In Tyrnador he has only seen men be knights but from the history of Realm 0, there were rare occasions of women wearing armour and being treated as knights. He decides to encourage her, saying that she can be whatever she wants to be. If she wants to become a squire, then he will help her.
- There is a pause and Hilda corrects him. She never said that she wanted to become a squire. She knows that she could never become more than a squire whilst appearing as she does - as a child. Ethan reiterates that she can be whatever she wants to be. Hilda cuts him off and points out that certain choices can limit the available options. She appreciates his support, but she makes it plain that she chose to be a child for a good reason. However, she admits that she enjoyed sparring with Pelmet - she had forgotten how good it could feel.
- On the journey Ethan receives an Icon contact from Isabelle. She asks if he has recovered, and then she shares what she has discovered since his departure. (Engineer roll → Critical) Isabelle explains that she has bypassed the ship’s personality to access its memories directly. The ship has been to dozens of realms and hundreds of worlds. Most will have been lost over time but there are references in the ship’s memories to relics and worlds that pre-date the Great War by a thousand years. She is determined to go back, and she wants Ethan with her.
- Ethan listens and says that they’ll be in Tyvar in two days. After the tournament it should be possible to return to assist her. In this realm, using Icons to enter or exit the realm is vulgar magic and easily detectable by those who can sense disturbances in Gossamer Reality. Nevertheless, he should be able to join her via Icon and then return to Tyrnador by contacting Hilda. However, this would also mean leaving Hilda without a guardian - so he needs to enlist some help to protect her whilst he is absent.
- Isabelle is concerned that someone else could find the Dwimmerlaik Voidship and recover its secrets. She doesn’t think anyone else knows about it yet, but it’s only a matter of time. She wants to hurry, just in case.
Arriving in Tyvar
- Two days later, the group arrives in the city of Tyvar. It is not as grand as Scarlet, but it is still a large and prosperous walled city with a mighty stone keep. Tyvar is the largest human settlement in the north and is surrounded by large tracts of farming land. Beyond lies the Frozen Pines Forest, the northern keep of Northfort, and the giant-controlled realms of the far north. Tyvar feels quite different from Scarlet. There is a tension in this place - Ethan notes that there are knights here from different parts of Ventar. From the Duchy of Avery, from the Barony of Tyvar, from the capital (Scarlet) and even a handful from the southern Duchy of Sentyne. Differences which would be put aside in Scarlet are clearly on display here.
- That evening there is a feast in Tyvar Keep to welcome the newcomers. All of the knights attend and are treated richly by the Baroness. Ethan and Hilda have heard the sad story of Tyvar’s current situation whilst on the journey north. Five years ago the land was ruled by Baron Ulrich Tyvar, a rich and brave man who led his men personally in battle. Skirmishes with goblins were not uncommon as the Barony of Tyvar is heavily dependent upon agriculture and logging of the Frozen Pines Forest. However in one of these skirmishes, the Baron killed a young troll lord named Nyrill who was leading the goblins. Nyrill was the son of Nwyll, the Troll King of the Frozen Pines, and the Troll King was very angry when he heard that the Baron had slain his favourite son. The Troll King placed a powerful faerie curse upon Baron Ulrich, who died of consumption in a matter of weeks. This left his young widow, Liviana to run the Barony. According to Sir Athalos and Sir Amlyn, she is known as the ‘sad’ Baroness. She has ruled wisely and fairly, but she refuses to remarry despite pressure from many suitors. It is said that she has refused two offers of marriage from the Duke of Avery, and her refusal has soured relationships between the two regions.
- Sure enough, there are many Knights of Avery in attendance and they seem determined to win the tournament. The northern Knights of Tyvar are heavily outnumbered.
- Ethan and Hilda do not join the main feast but they are looked after in one of the lower halls. Hilda befriends a massive shaggy wolfhound and feeds it tidbits. Ethan wonders whatever became of Stolvir - his white wolf. They parted ways a long time ago.
- The visiting knights are housed in a number of tents that have been erected outside the city walls. They are well catered for and looked after. Given that they have come to watch the tournament rather than to participate in it, Ethan suggests to Hilda that they find an inn to stay in. She agrees, and they are fortunate enough to find a room to rent (although they have to pay an exorbitant price). With the tournament only two days away, they enjoy watching the knights practice. There are strong knights on both sides and it is quite a sight to see all of the flags and pennants flying.
- Ethan and Hilda visit the knights of Scarlet in the afternoon before the tournament’s commencement. They wish the knights good fortune and promise to support ‘loudly’.
The Baroness
- As they leave the knights of Scarlet, one of the elves that they travelled with asks to speak with Ethan. It is Girion, the elder of the pair. In a hushed voice he explains that he has spoken with Baronese Liviana and she would like to meet him. Ethan is surprised by this as he doesn’t think of himself as being important enough for an audience. Flattered and a little curious, he agrees.
- It is very late in the day that they are finally admitted into her presence. Her advisors prioritise other appointments. Nevertheless, Ethan and Hilda accept this with good humour and chat away about what they have seen so far and what they might do next. When they are finally admitted, Ethan is surprised by how young and beautiful the Baroness is. She cannot be older than perhaps twenty-two or twenty-three years old. She is richly dressed in a dress of burgundy and black. She would be attractive but her eyes show signs of melancholy. With her are Lord Morial, an ageing noble with a trustworthy face, and a pair of servants.
The Baroness Livinia, Image sourced from Google Images
- The Baroness apologises for the long wait - there are many things requiring her attention and she didn’t realise that Ethan had a child with him. After introductions, the Baroness asks Hilda if she always travels with her father.
- Addressing Ethan, Lord Morial asks if the stories are true and that he faced Blackbane and drove him off (Hilda chimes in here and says that this is true - she was there); and that he defeated the god-wyrm known as the Crawler in the Tyland Forests (Hilda wasn’t present for that adventure). They have heard stories that he is a Dragonslayer, and that he has experience dealing with matters of faerie. Cautiously, Ethan admits that this is true and asks what he can do for them.
- At this point, Lord Morial asks many questions whilst the Baroness looks on, watching them both. She appears unconvinced by the stories that she has heard and wishes to make her own assessment of Ethan’s character. (Persuade 3D → ‘6’ which is a success) Lord Morial explains that the Troll King Nwyll is continuing to threaten the many foresters who work in the Frozen Pine Forest. There have been many skirmishes and casualties on both sides. The Baroness wants to break the circle of violence but they lack the means to do so. If the stories are true and Ethan was able to negotiate with Blackbane, then perhaps he may be able to help them negotiate a peace with the trolls.
- Ethan remembers that Hilda wanted to meet the trolls - he wonders if she has somehow foreseen this as her abilities work in peculiar ways. Ethan offers to help and asks for some guidance as to what sort of peace they are seeking. Both the Baroness and Lord Morial are surprised by Ethan’s readiness to assist without the promise of reward. They ask him about what he wants in return and Ethan says that he isn’t motivated by gold or status. He’ll help because they asked. Lord Morial is amused by this and remarks that this is perhaps why the King likes him so much. The Baroness follows up and explains that word travels quickly in Ventar, even to the north. They know that King Valerios speaks well of him. Ethan can see that they are not jesting but he doesn’t see himself as particularly important - he is neither a knight nor a lord in this realm.
- Hilda sips on some cherry wine as the conversation continues. The Baroness wonders aloud why he is not a knight or a lord. Lord Morial seems to greatly respect Ethan - he says of Ethan that he “carries himself as a Lord amongst men.” Ethan admits that he has title and status elsewhere, but not in Ventar. After a pause, Lord Morial chuckles and asks if Ethan would accept land and titles if it were offered to him. Ethan frowns at this as he does not particularly want to be tethered to any one place, but he is reminded of Hilda’s interest in being a squire.
- An idea comes to him. He apologises for his frankness but he has an idea as to how he could be of further service to the Barony of Tyvar. The Baroness and Lord Morial listen to Ethan’s plan with interest, but after hearing it in full, Lord Morial has his doubts. However, it appeals to Baroness Liviana and she agrees. Lord Morial is surprised by the Baroness’ decision and asks if this is wise. She says simply that it is a good plan, and she says to Hilda that her father is a brave man.
- As they leave, Hilda asks Ethan if she understands what he has just proposed. They came to watch a tournament, not for Ethan to compete in it. Ethan explains to her that the Baroness does not wish to marry, but the suitors will continue to press her unless someone is able to dissuade them - and he thinks he can do that. Hilda points out that he’ll have to win many battles, and defeat every challenger. She asks him curiously whether he is truly that strong. Ethan says simply that he’s pretty sure that he can do this, although it has been a while since he handled a lance, and his horse Brega is not going to be strong enough to fight battle after battle over three days. He needs to find equipment and a new horse.
The Tournament of Tyvar
- Returning to the rented room, Ethan contacts Abbie. He explains the equipment that he needs and she says that she will do what she can. He then contacts Isabelle and goes through the Icon contact to the Athenaeum, leaving Hilda in Tyvar. Surprised to see him so soon, Ethan explains the situation to Isabelle - she doesn’t know where to get a horse strong enough to fight for three days and she suggests that multiple horses may be required. But Ethan doesn’t want to do this - he performs a Divination spell and then heads out onto the Grand Stair to find a ‘Lord of Horses’.
- In a few hours, Ethan has found his ‘Horse Lord’ (Warp = ‘6’). He finds a feudal society of intelligent horses living in a vibrant green-grassed world, and manages to enlist the help of a young warhorse named Ajax to serve him. Ajax can speak, but only another Horse Lord or a Lord of Gossamer can understand him. Ajax is fiercely determined to win honour for himself and his people, then return and sire many offspring. He is more than willing to go with Ethan and carry him into battle.
- Returning to the Athenaeum, Ethan retrieves his dragon shield and he obscures the dragon emblem with paint. He collects a saddle from Lucien’s stables which fits Ajax, and Abbie contacts him to advise that she has acquired a suit of armour and a number of jousting lances for him.
- Ethan returns to Tyvar via an Icon contact with Hilda. He then tells her not to worry and that everything has been prepared.
- In the early morning, Ethan leaves Tyvar and when he is far enough away, he contacts Isabelle via Icon. Ajax comes through the contact and other equipment is also brought through. Isabelle also offers him a blue silk scarf in case Ethan needs a token. She would like to watch him but she has other priorities. Isabelle wishes him well and kisses him goodbye.
- Back on Tyvar, Ethan explains the situation to Ajax while he dons his armour. He gently uses Eidolon to improve it subtly without changing its appearance. Strapping the other lances to his other horse, Ethan then makes his way back to town.
- There is a carnival atmosphere on the first day of the tournament. The entire town has turned out to watch the knights joust one another. Even though knights have their allegiance to Avery, or Tyvar, or Scarlet, it doesn’t matter on this day. Every knight competes for himself.
- Ethan approaches the list and registers for the event. He speaks little and gives no name. He preserves his anonymity by keeping his visor closed. With him is a short peasant boy (Hilda in disguise) who cares for the other horse and makes sure that his lances are available.
- There are many knights here - more than a hundred, but the jousts are quick and he does not have to wait long before it is his turn.
Northern Knights, Image sourced from Google Images (Art by Reborn Sama?)
- Ethan has seen many jousts before in the Legendary Realm but he himself has rarely jousted. The first round sees his opponent unhorsed and his opponent’s lance shatter completely against the dragonshield. Ajax gives a whinny of triumph and looks forward to the next.
- As the day continues, Ethan uses Eidolon to preserve Ajax’s strength and stamina. He defeats knight after knight (Engage = ‘Critical’) and the crowd begins to notice the prowess of the Nameless Knight. The numbers of knights left in the competition dwindle fast, and they tire as the day goes on - however both Ethan and Ajax are as strong at the end of the day as they were at the beginning, and they defeat all comers. The lance that they started the day with has survived to the end.
- At the end of the day, the Nameless Knight stands triumphant and the Baroness of Tyvar declares him the winner. She knows who he is, but she pretends not to. Without accepting a reward, the Nameless Knight turns to leave and Hilda joins him.
- They travel a few miles into the countryside. Ajax is very proud of his achievement and Ethan praises him. Hilda is frustrated that she can’t understand what Ajax is saying but Ethan acts as a go-between. They find water and food for the Horse Lord, and Ethan removes his armour. He is tired but not as sore as he expected. Hilda is gushing with praise for her father - in her words, Ethan was ‘magnificent’.
- Isabelle joins them that evening for a picnic under the stars. She brings blankets and a pot of hot stew as it is cold. Isabelle is pleased to hear that things went well, and she likes Ajax.
- On the second day, Ethan and Hilda return to Tyvar. The theme of the second day is melee, and the knights will work in groups according to their allegiance. The Duchy of Avery has the largest group. Each group will fight many mock battles during the day so there will be periods for each knight to rest. The champion on the second day is the knight who has achieved the greatest glory on the battlefield. As the Nameless Knight, Ethan remains unaligned until he chooses to join one of the factions. He is not the only knight that is unaligned.
- The melee commences and Ethan watches to see the strength of the various factions. He considers not only the size of each group but also the strength of the individuals. After determining that the Duchy of Avery is definitely the strongest group and that the Knights of Scarlet can handle themselves, he decides to report to Lord Morial and join the Knights of Tyvar. The Knights of Tyvar are being deliberately targeted by those from Avery - as if the Duke is trying to make a point to the unmarried Baroness.
- Hilda wishes Ethan well, and Lord Morial accepts the Nameless Knight’s help. The Nameless Knight follows Lord Morial’s lead but he quickly proves himself a combatant that no one can best (Engage = triple ‘6’ on three dice - ie: another Critical) Even when a group of the Knights of Avery try to break him away from the rest of those from Tyvar, they are quickly defeated by the Nameless Knight.
- Whereas the more powerful landed knights have multiple horses to ride, the Nameless Knight stays on the same horse (Ajax) the entire time. He takes breaks from time to time to allow Ajax to rest, but he quickens Ajax’s recovery with use of Eidolon. Ajax is having a lovely time and enthusiastically wants to get back into the fray.
- After hours of fighting, the paint on the Nameless Knight’s shield is partially broken away, revealing part of the emblem beneath. The crowd whispers that the Nameless Knight is the one that they call the Dragonslayer. This news demoralises those who oppose the Knights of Tyvar and the Northerners hold the field at the end of the second day. Once again, the Nameless Knight is named champion but he leaves before any reward can be bestowed on him.
The Nameless Knight, Image sourced from Google Images
- The third day of the tournament is the day for challenges. It is normally reserved for friendly matches but sometimes for resolving disputes. The Nameless Knight and his squire return for the third day of the tournament. Ethan sees the Baroness in the stands and knows that she believes in him. He approaches the main pavilion and the crowd hushes when she rises to speak.
- The Baroness announces that she will not marry anyone, and that ‘her champion’ (referring to the Nameless Knight) will defend that right. Ethan salutes her by raising his lance and offers to defend her honour against all challengers.
- At first no one is willing to duel against Ethan and there are other challenges made. As the day wears on, Ethan is called to defend the Baroness’ honour against a few determined challengers from Avery (Engage = ‘6’) Again, he is victorious but he sustains a few blows.
- The end is almost an anticlimax. He has proven his superiority on the field of battle and no one wants to challenge him. By this point, the Knights of Scarlet have figured out who he is, and word quickly travels. The Knights of Avery hold no grudge against him - Sir Gellar and Sir Bellerand ask if he will drink and eat with them. They have never met such a strong knight and are pleased to meet him. Ethan accepts their offer of hospitality.
- Sir Amyln praises Ethan for his victory, and Ethan apologises for knocking him off his horse. Sir Amyln accepts this with good humour - he can see what Ethan has done on the Baroness’ behalf.
- That evening Ethan eats and drinks with the knights whilst Hilda gets to hang out with the squires. They are both treated well - there are sore heads but no hard feelings amongst the knights. Late in the evening Ethan receives an Icon contact from Isabelle, who asks if he can return for another foray into the Dwimmerlaik ship. There is some urgency in her request and Ethan promises to discuss it with Hilda the next day.
- The next day Lord Morial and the Baroness ask to see Ethan, and he goes to meet them. The Baroness is pleased with Ethan and says that he has done her a great service. Ethan offers her an Icon and tells her to concentrate on it should she need his assistance. He is happy to act as her champion to ward off unwanted suitors. The Baroness marvels at this and asks about Hilda’s mother. Ethan smiles at this and explains that Hilda is his adopted daughter. He’s never met Hilda’s real parents.
- She asks when he plans to depart for the Frozen Pine Forest, and he says that he will need a few days. He asks to take Girion and perhaps one or two Knights with him. She is happy to provide him with lodgings until he departs. Finally, she asks if he would accept a knighthood for the service that he has done for her. Ethan was not expecting this but he accepts the honour. Lord Morial then knights Ethan as a Knight of Tyvar and the Baroness agrees that Ethan shall be her champion if the need arises.
