In reply to New 3 (msg # 40):

I guess so, though Ironfist is a big boast worthy of a good tale.

Balavan is equipped, cashed up and rolled up. Good to go, GM.

~ cool touch with the backstory, Arielle.

Hmm... any suggestion on where I can hail from?

durst is archaic english for dare.

sturm is middle high german for storm

dur is the beginning of a large number of high middle and modern german words

So probably Kurland....or ancestors from Kurland raised in Ellesland.

Thanks ,) so I can just make up any village or town name or shd I follow one of those in books

This maps pretty comprehensive.


http://www.libraryofhiabuor.net/Ellesland.png

 Oh craftsman  on  background

14:16, Today: New 4 rolled 79 using 1d100 = Serf.
Does the church own serfs the same way as a lord/lady does?
If so, I'm thinking the aptly named St Frida's Convent on the Cornumbrian border would be a good origin for Lay-Sister Alfrida*.





*The less cumbersome to type out version of Ælfthryth.

In reply to New 4 (msg # 49):

That sounds good.

hi all

hows everyones characters going?

In reply to Sir Brenton (msg # 51):

Hi. Mine has been good to go for a week or two. Looking forward to what's ahead.

Slowly for me! Work's been pretty busy, which is slowing me down, but I'm making progress!

Hi folks
It will be a while before we begin, I would like to see it another game first and there are work issues that have my attention at present. The characters presented so far all seem intriguing.
I am looking forward to beginning but must ask your patience.

In reply to GM (msg # 54):

Yeah, fully good with however long till we start. I agree, the backstories look great thus far.

In reply to Balavan (msg # 55):

Hello all

I am hoping to begin in a few weeks, maybe slightly more depending on work.

The basic premise is that you all (independently/collectively) arrive at Hesards Ford in NE Albion for a royal tourney, the like of which has not been seen in a while.

King Haldric has funded the tourney and chosen Hesards Ford as it borders church lands, Montombre’s Earldom and Alfredo Barony. The purse is spectacular as is the champions prize, The Fabled Sword of Saint Akturian - the crimson blade.

The King in Ongus can no longer afford the incessant bickering amongst his lords, the near lawlessness in his lands. While he is and devout man, he fears losing his crown to a divided kingdom and a church growing wealthier and more powerful by the day.

Some you you will be doubtless here attar ted by the prospect of glory in the lists and the melee. Others might be seeking employment from a lord. Some of you might have travelled far to see the ancient relic of Saint Akturian, while all of you will undoubtedly be attar fed by the promise of one of the biggest festivals to be held in your lifetime.

If you want to consider how you arrived and with whom here, I will then open up an I  game thread.
Best of luck and enjoy the tourney.

If Sir Benton needs a squire, Oswald might be a good fit. I use the term squire loosely - since Oswald has no hope of becoming an effective Knight in his own right!

He has Strength 4 - which I'm interpreting as a serous injury to his right arm that has left it weak and his hand too mauled for fine manipulation. He can still hold a hammer or sword, but not well. Still, he could carry a shield, polish armour and probably beat out dints from it with a bit of effort.

This injury has changed the whole trajectory of Oswald's life. His father is an "administrator", apparently - I take this to be something akin to a Sheriff in Saxon society? Oswald is of good social standing, even if he is also illiterate - which I put down to his being effectively written off as a "cripple", and overlooked in favour of his uninjured younger.

The alternative would be that Oswald has become an itinerant preacher, and come to the tourney with the intention of preaching the Hanged God's word (using what Scripture he has memorised). I just thought that the squire angle would give him a natural link to someone else in the party.

In reply to Oswald Godloefson (msg # 57):

I'll take him on as my squire. Perhaps he was apprenticed to sir Brenton to get him off his father's hands.
Sir Brenton is a just and fare man and saw something in the young man that he could work with despite the crippled hand or even because of it.

In reply to Sir Brenton (msg # 58):

I'm assuming Arielle and Balavan are there looking for work or accompanying their lords household.

Rinan has turned up there hoping to find work, fun, fame, fortune and debauchery!

Excellent - yes, it would make sense for Oswald to be apprenticed off as a way of getting him out of the way. Apart from his arm, Oswald is actually in pretty good nick (Reflexes 15, Intelligence 15, Psychic Talent 16, Looks 14, Strength... 4). Anyone willing to look past the obvious injury will find that he's a quick learner, observant and fairly astute.

At least, that's how I hope to play him! xD

Makes sense hey. I agree. To flesh that out just a tad - If Arielle is still slightly dodgy, Balavan may have moved both he and she on after some minor incident (of your design Arielle).

Or perhaps someone accused her of something she didn't do, playing on her past, and Balavan sided with her, they 'dealt with' the accuser, then left in disgust. Either of these options sees the pair arrive with no ties, but indeed looking for a new lord's employ.

Or a third idea, perhaps our old lord died of illness, the church claiming his lands. Hence, again, we arrive looking for work? I'm easy with any of these, or one of your design, Arielle!

I'm kinda partial to the last one.......no need for extra drama. :)

Hmm... Dursturm probably is looking for fame and fortune after hearing tales from his craftsman parents about how the ancestors used to be nobles and losing their inheritance over time and how they are now reduced to making straw sandals and baskets. The father used to be a fighter mage but had no choice but to live in secluion as he fears that one day, he may accidentally offend some powerful lord and cause his family line to be exinguished.

He hopes to join a noble lord and restore his family name to former glory.

Door number 3, lock it in! RIP previous lord.

Alas poor Aelfrid....