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 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 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. -------------------- The Chaosium Digest is a Discussion Forum for Chaosium Games which do not have another specific area for discussion. To submit an article, mail to: appel@erzo.berkeley.edu