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Chaosium Digest Volume 02 Number 09
Chaosium Digest Volume 2, Number 9
Date: Sunday, June 6, 1993
Number: 3 of 3
Contents:
The Tourney at Castle Ebrium [Part II] (Fergal Somers) PENDRAGON
Character Backgrounds for the Tourney (Fergal Somers) PENDRAGON
--------------------
From: Fergal Somers <Fergal.Somers@cs.tcd.ie>
Subject: The Tourney at Castle Ebrium [Part II]
System: Pendragon
Conclusions
Option 1: Fighting for Honour
(If the players challenged Lord Idres to mortal combat)
If the player knights wish to hang around to fight Lord Idres and not
investigate the surgeon, then so be it. A fight to the death, the
result binds both remaining player knights and Lord Idres' men (those
that are honourable that is). Shortly after the result of the fight,
the death of King Martius is announced.
Option 2: Melee For Real
(If the players did not challenge Lord Idres to mortal combat)
On return to the castle, the players meet Sir Hervis coming back from
a fruitless hunt. By the time the characters return, the melee has
started, with rebated weapons of course. Sir Idres and his henchmen
are in the thick of it. If the player knights brought the surgeon
with them to the eyrie, then Sir Idres will realise that the game is
up. If they didn't, then at this point the surgeon will break from
the castle and attempt to warn Sir Idres. On realising that the
player knights have returned, he calls his men and attempts to direct
them to the far side of the battle field.
Sir Hervis, assuming the characters have filled him in on the events
so far, will throw himself into the fray. The player knights should
follow. Sir Idres and his fellow knights remove the cloth from the
weapons making them fully functional again, however the other
competitors in the field of battle do not fully realise this. The
scene should become one of the player knights and Sir Idres and
henchmen hacking at each other for real, with the marshall of lists
going insane at the sidelines attempting to restore order. Melee
Combat rules:
% One person is named as the leader of the PCs. He makes a battle roll
[critical: +5, success: 0, failure: -5, fumble: -10] to weapon skills.
This represents your ability to successfully attack desired targets
without other people getting in your way.
% The melee lasts for 2d6 rounds before a halt is called.
% If Lord Idres is still alive then, he is taken prisoner, Lady Elaine
will back-up the players testimony.
Resolution
The yolk does in fact heal the king, albeit slowly. Lady Elaine is
declaring her love for the Sir Hervis, Knight of the Green Leaf
(assuming he's not dead). The Player knights can ask for whatever
gifts they wish, land, money etc. Give appropriate checks to selfish
and generous. The player knights are free to take part in the melee
Option 3: OK, We lied about the Griffin.
I made this option up on the fly at Leprecon XIV because the group I
was playing with was so into conspiracy theories, that any ending as
straitforward as the other two options above would have upset them
somewhat. The massive coincidence of the griffin's egg being a cure
is a pack of lies. If the player knights manage to get the griffin's
egg (at this stage some of them will be dead, and most of them will be
wounded somewhat - griffins are pretty kick-ass) they are met by Lord
Idres and some henchmen. Lord Idres who would have to have been blind
not to have realise that the player knights suspected him, had
arranged the "sighting" of the Questing Beast in order to get everyone
else off the scene for a while. He will attack the players after
first explaining what idiots the player knights are for believing such
a ridiculous story about a Griffin in the first place. Since there is
no cure for the poison, the King dies regardless of the outcome of
this final battle. As I said this worked for this group, however I
wouldn't recommend this option for everyone.
~ The End ~
Dramatis Personae
Lady Elaine
Elaine is a stunning beauty, with long flowing raven-black hair. She
is the only child of King Martius. Since the onset of her father's
illness, she has taken responsibility for the running of the castle,
reveling in her newfound independence. Her father wishes to see his
line continued, and to this end has let it be known that he wishes
Elaine to marry Lord Idres. This is not to Elaine's liking, for her
heart belongs to another, the knight of the green leaf. She intends
to elope with him. However, her letters to him have been intercepted
by Lord Idres, leaving her convinced that he no longer loves her.
SIZ 10 Move 2(+2) Major Wound 15
DEX 13 Damage 3d6 Unconcious 6
STR 10 Heal / Knockdown 10
CON 15 HP 25 Armour 2
AP 15 Glory 250 Valorous Mod /
Notes:
Skills: Dagger 10, Courtesy 16, First Aid 15, Stewardship 14
Traits: Valorous 12, Chaste 10
Passions: Love(KOGL) 16, Love(Family) 13,
Hospitality 14
Constance
Maid and constant companion to Lady Elaine, Constance is loyal to the
end. Having a curious and michevious nature, Constance will take any
opportunity to flirt with the player knights, but will always remains
chaste. Constance is the only other person who knows Elaine's secret.
SIZ 11 Move 2(+2) Major Wound 13
DEX 14 Damage 3d6 Unconcious 6
STR 8 Heal / Knockdown 11
CON 13 HP 24 Armour 1
AP 12 Glory / Valorous Mod /
Notes:
Skills: Dagger 10, Courtesy 16, Indsutry 14, Intrigue 13, Flirt 15
Traits: Valorous 8, Chaste 14, Honest 13
Passions: Loyalty(Elaine) 14
Knight Of The Green Leaf (Sir Hervis)
Sir Hervis starts off believing he is the spurned love of the Lady
Elaine. For months, he has not received a letter or message from her.
Hearing of the impending tourney he intends to visit the castle
incognito and view the situation.
SIZ 15 Move 3 Major Wound 15
DEX 11 Damage 5d6 Unconcious 8
STR 14 Heal / Knockdown 15
CON 15 HP 30 Armour 12
AP 14 Glory 3000 Valorous Mod /
Notes:
Skills: Sword 16, Lance 15, Spear 13, Hunting 12
Traits: Valorous 16
Passions: Love(Elaine) 16, Honor 16
Lance, Spear, Sword and Shield.
Gumnet The Surgeon
Gumnet is a pale, haggard figure and surgeon to the king. Due to the
kings illness he has also usurped the position of kings advisor. He
has lived a chequered life, which thanks to Lord Idres has finally
caught up with him. On Idress demands he is slowly poisoning the king.
This achieves the dual task of forcing the king to marry Elaine off,
thus securing succession to the throne; and also making sure that
succession is not delayed unduely.
SIZ 10 Move 2(+2) Major Wound 13
DEX 10 Damage 3d6 Unconcious 6
STR 10 Heal / Knockdown 10
CON 13 HP 23 Armour 1
AP 8 Glory / Valorous Mod /
Notes:
Skills: Intrigue 13, Chirurgery 20, First Aid 18, Deceitful 14
Traits: Valorous 4, Vengeful 16, Cruel 14
Passions: Fear(Idres) 16, Loyalty(Martius) 4
Lord Idres
Idres is an utterly ruthless creature. Not only is he slowly
poisoning his future father-in-law, but he manages at all times to be
courteous and maintain a convincing facade of distress at the king's
progressing illness. Idres maintains a retinue of men hostelled
around the castle and the village to deal with anything he regards as
trouble. He has Elaine watched, which is how he discovered her
letters to Sir Hervis (KOGL).
SIZ 11 Move 3 Major Wound 11
DEX 8 Damage 4d6 Unconcious 5
STR 11 Heal / Knockdown 11
CON 11 HP 22 Armour 10
AP 10 Glory 2000 Valorous Mod /
Notes:
Skills: Sword 16, Lance 15, Intrigue 16, Courtesy 14
Traits: Valorous 10, Deceitful 16, Vengeful 16
Passions: Hospitality 6, Honor -10
Handout #1: The Letter
My Love,
Why do you not answer my missives? Has your love grown cold? Say no,
for the thought is more than I can bear. At least leave me some hope,
to raise me from the sorrow of my current situation.
If I could have but a sign that you still cared, I would gladly leave
all and come and join you. Why torture me so?
The Lady Of Ebrium.
--------------------
From: Fergal Somers <Fergal.Somers@cs.tcd.ie>
Subject: Character Backgrounds for the Tourney
System: Pendragon
Sir Elad
Homeland: Angleland
Culture: Cymric
Religion: Christian
Lord: Duke Hervis
Current Class: Knight
Age: 21
Current Home: Thetford
Well she really did it to you, didn't she. Strung you up and hung you
out to dry. Had you running around: "but if you loved me, you'd want
to prove your love, and what better way for a brave knight to win a
fair maiden's hand than through acts of courage and valour." Yeah,
what a sap. Quest here, search for this, kill that; you have to
admit, you liked the attention and envious looks the other ladies gave
your fair Elizabeth; but all the time she was making a complete fool
of you. You must have seemed a proper chump. The real kick in the
teeth was that powdered milksop Sir Lanval. God's teeth, why? Did
she hate you that much, to make you look so ridiculous?
Still there's something to be said about being a free agent once
again; and the questing admittedly was at times fun. Perhaps she's
done you a favour cutting you loose, but one things for sure, you'll
not be anyone's fool again.
Current
A tourney is being held in Ebrium of the Brecklands. Quite a nice
purse for the winner. Your lord, Duke Hervis, has given you leave to
attend. Should take your mind off Elizabeth, but best of all, Sir
Lanval travels with you. Time to settle some scores. You'll enjoy
every moment of humilliating him at the tourney. Ah, sweet revenge.
We'll see just how the haughty Lady Elizabeth reacts to that.
Suggested Roleplaying
You are a proud, headstrong knight. You still harbour a secret
passion for Lady Elizabeth inspite of her treatment of you. Due to
her rank indifference, you have developed an rather unhealthy
suspicion of the motives behind all women's actions, and also a deep
dislike for Sir Lanval.
Sir Lanval
Homeland: Angleland
Culture: Cymric
Religion: Christian
Lord: Duke Hervis
Current Class: Knight
Age: 23
Current Home: Thetford
Oh Lizzy, why do you so spurn my advances? Did I not pour out my
heart to you, dash my hopes on the rocky shores of your indifference.
Your heart is a barren land where my love can find no purchase. Your
beauteous visage not only troubles my fitful slumber, but now also
haunts my waking hours as well. Is there no escape from your
loveliness? Would I escape were it possible? No, 'tis foolishness I
speak, for I am forever yours to command, your piteous servant.
Oh what I would give if you smiled only for me, precious Lizzy, and
did not waste your time on such lowly fellows as Sir Elad. What does
he know of true love, love that is sublime. Only the basest of
emotions rules that boars thick skull. Why then do you act so? Is it
to test my devotion, that you favour this ignorant with coyish smiles
and flirtatious glances? Surely this rough knight cannot offer you
the love I so long to bestow. Perhaps it is his small accomplishments
at arms that has momentarily turned your head. Be not so fickle dear
Lizzy, these are small things, a child's present to a benevolent
adult; not worthy of your loveliness. I will go, to prove to you how
meaningless such tokens are, easily won, easily forgotten,
insubstantial tokens.
Current
You've decided to settle this affair once and for all. Sir Elad must
realise that this is no simple childish obsession. To this end,
you've agreed to travel to the Tourney at Ebrium. To the winner, the
right to pursue the fair Lady Elizabeth. No contest. You're sure Sir
Elad will find some comely serving wench to satisfy his lowly desires.
What knows he of higher love?
Suggested Roleplaying
You are a rather verbose character, well versed in both the skills of
court and the skills of warfare. Your clear insight and sharp wit is
highly praised at court, but this is a time for firm action. You are
obsessed with the fair maiden Lady Elizabeth and hold your competitor
Sir Elad in low esteem.
Sir Danain
Homeland: Angleland
Culture: Cymric
Religion: Christ
Lord: The Castellan Of Haughley
Current Class: Knight
Age: 25
Current Home: Haughley
Great! Once again lumped with a group of barely restrained sociopaths
with the collective wit of your average fencepost. Well, I suppose a
tourney gives them a chance to work out their overdeveloped agressions
on each other, rather than destroying innocent wildlife and harassing
peasants. Bloodthirsty morons.
The tourney is important for other reasons. It affords the perfect
opportunity to view the goings-on at castle Ebrium from relative
anonymity. According to your sources, and you've been careful to
interview all travellers that journey the Kings road through the
Brecklands, the construction of new fortifications are under way at
castle Ebrium. Why? Surely the Pax Arthur isn't under threat from
Angle rebels anymore. What is that wily old goat King Martius up to
this time? King Martius, hah that's a good title, King of what
exactly? A few barren hills and some marshland that no-one except
half-mad Angles would venture into. Ah, but Martius while not ever
actually supporting these rebels, has, shall we say, retained a
sympathetic ear. Still, relations between Ebrium and your lord
Castellan Haughley have been quiet for years, and Martius is no fool,
he would not endanger the peace. If your information is correct,
there is a new player at castle Ebrium, or at least new money. Can
this represent a threat?
Current
Your lord, Castellan Haughley has asked you to visit the tourney at
Ebrium to better inform him of his neighbours strengths and
intentions. Be diplomatic, watch learn and report. Above all, the
peace must be secured. Let the other knights spend all their
attention on these childish games, you have business to do.
Suggested Roleplaying
Sir Danain is a thinker first, a fighter second. Castellan Haughley
has trusted you to many missions of diplomatic import. Discretion is
your watchword, far more can be learned from unravelling idle gossip,
than rash ill-considered action. However, when necessary, action must
be taken. Although you are essentially an honourable knight, you do
not necessarily hold with all these decorative notions of chivalry.
Sir Mynyddog
Homeland: Angleland
Culture: Cymric
Religion: Christ
Lord: Duke Hervis
Current Class: Knight
Age: 30
Current Home: Thetford
God's teeth those two knightlings, Sir Elad and Sir Lanval, are a
tiresome pair, always getting at each other for some imagined slight.
Of course, you can't really blame them, the fair Lady Elizabeth is
playing them both off against each other like a real pro. Let's just
hope they can keep their tempers in line. We don't want to bring
shame and dishonour to the knights of Duke Hervis. The old man would
have your skin. Well, you'll just have to make sure they don't make a
ridiculous spectacle of themselves, though there's little enough
chance of that. A bit of friendly rivalry is fine, let them go at
each other all they wish, but if they start acting in a manner
unsuited to the order of knighthood, then it's time to step in and
discipline. Still they're not bad lads.
This tourney is a bit of a turnaround. There hasn't been a tourney at
Ebrium for as long as you can remember. Didn't think they went in for
that sort of thing out in the wilds. Still, you must attend, not only
to keep the other two in line, but to present the Duke's regards to
King Martius. Communication was never good between these two, but
over the last few years, it has nearly stopped. Perhaps the tourney
represents a turnaround from the independent King's historical
sympathies to the Angle hordes, a wish to enter more fully the Britain
of good King Arthur.
Current
You're heading a small party of knights from the Brecklands to a
tourney at castle Ebrium. More a diplomatic mission, than the grand
affairs you've attended in the past. Apart from the troublesome pair,
there's some knights travelling with you from the vassal courts of
Duke Hervis.
Suggested Roleplay
Sir Mynyddog is an experienced knight, survivor of a number of
campaigns, in particular Duke Hervis' ruthless destuction of the Angle
rebels. You are brusque and to the point, rarely wasting time on
pleasantries where they are not needed. Many hard-fought battles have
taught you that keeping a clear head is more important than even the
sharpest of swords. It has also taught you that in battle, success is
down to discipline, and you expect your words to be heeded.
Sir Dwynn
Homeland: Angleland
Culture: Cymric
Religion: Christian
Lord: Duke Hervis
Current Class: Knight
Age: 26
Current Home: Wells
If only you had listened to the old hermit, but no, you lusted after
knowledge, the key to all tomorrows. Just think of the good that it
could do. Disasters could be averted, threats to the peace of the
kingdom could be forewarned against. Was this your real reason
though? Was it not perhaps your own foolish pride which was your
downfall, which blinded your reason? Yes, Sir Dwynn sat atop a white
charger, righting wrongs. Sir Dwynn a legend in the making. Would
that you had never set foot in that damned Seelie court. Would that
you had never demanded your boon. Oh they granted your wish alright,
gave you the future you so ached to see, and it nearly destroyed you.
There you lay, before yourself, alone in bloody armour, not much older
than you are now, your life's blood quickly ebbing away into the mossy
earth. No sign would be left to mark the passing of the last of the
proud Clan Forbar. No good would come of it. Yes, the hermit had
been right.
Current
You are headed throught the forest to the tourney as Castle Ebrium.
In the companionship of brother knights, you no longer feel nervous,
for the first time since entering that forest. As long as you are not
alone, the prophecy cannot be fulfilled.
Suggested Roleplaying
Sir Dwynn is not a coward, rather he has become obsessed with the
terrible knowledge he had quested so long for. He is affectedly
good-humoured, but it is a shallow facade. He is given to bouts of
irrational anger, the product of a mind haunted by visions of it's own
violent demise.
Sir Bruen
Homeland: Angleland
Culture: Cymric
Religion: Christian
Lord: Duke Hervis
Current Class: Knight
Age: 23
Current Home: Ludham
Not for you, the brash abandonment of the tourney. Oh, you can enjoy
it well enough, but its triumphs and tradgedies are but small things
to you. You far prefer the pleasant ease of quiet contemplation.
This is the true gift of knighthood, lifting the yoke of daily toil
and drudgery, freeing you to simply be. You never excelled at your
books, not that you ever received much encouragement. Frankly, you
feel that your interest disturbed your father. Still, your tutor
managed to impart a reasonable grip of the three disciplines: law,
medicine and theology. In this new Britain that Arthur is forging,
the learning has served you well; for a knight needs to be far more
than just the sword he carries; he must be at times a poet, at times a
lover and at times a thinker.
Current
Recently affairs at court have become somewhat tiresome. The same
gossip being traded, only the names have changed. To put it simply
you're bored. Hearing of the tourney at Castle Ebrium, you have
decided that a change of scenery is the best cure. A chance for new
experiences, to meet new people.
Suggested Roleplay
Sir Bruen feels increasingly detatched from his fellow knights and
people in general. In his isolation, he watches everyone intently,
always fascinated by how people react to one another. His moods
depend on who he is with. He is quiet and serious in company he
trusts, polite and humorous in new company. However, there is little
he likes better than a good argument, and he is an adept at swinging a
conversation onto mre abstract themes. If someone cannot hold a
discussion, he quickly loses interest. It always amazes him how
people readily ignore the really important questions of life, death,
morality and government.
--------------------
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