Lady Tessora of Artois



"How can I be misguided - for I am guided by the hand of God."

Born in the village of Avesnes, Artois to its devout Lord and Lady, Tessora was enamoured from an early age with tales of gallant knights; especially the Arthurian legends, written in the neighbouring county of Flanders by Chrétien de Troyes.

Her family were perhaps a little too indulgent of her fascination and allowed her to pursue her education in sword fighting - the main stipulation being that it not disrupt her ecclesiastical studies. This was no great imposition, and Tessora gladly spent much of her free time in prayer or contemplation of god's works (at least, the time not already consumed by learning to ride and fight).

After some time, she received visions of England and, interpreting it as a message from the Almighty, set sail in order to walk in the footsteps of the Knights of the Round Table.

Things in England bore little resemblance to the tales of her youth - knights often behaved boorishly, and everyone seemed to have it in their heads that women couldn't be amongst their ranks, which was of course preposterous. Clearly this was God testing her devotion, and so she continued on regardless, seeking to help those in need.

Shortly after her decision to continue on this path, she was visited by the angel Midael, who approved of her goals and promised to guide her on her journey as long as she remained devout. The night after his visitation, she received a vision which she interpreted to be of Sherwood Forest, and so without question she set off.

There she came across the mage Evelyn, who harboured none of the ill will or scepticism of her god-given status as a knight as the other peoples of this land. She introduced her to the newfound covenant of Sagehollow, and though uneasy with their magical studies, was eventually convinced that they, too, sought to purge the land of evildoers.

Description
Born: 1172 (Aged 21) Height: 6'3" Weight: 183lbs Build: Athletic Nationality: French

Tessora is a soft-spoken woman with a thick French accent and curiously formal mannerisms. Her natural demeanour is best described as "purposeful", even when it comes to such trivial matters as gathering firewood or sat on watch. Since her divine appointment, it seems that very little can tarnish her inspirational visage - wild winds merely tousle her hair cinematically, mud splatters across her face in a striking pattern, and even when fatigued, her voice rings clear and bright across the din of battle.

Notable Features: Very pale skin and light blonde hair. She has a brutal scar running down her left shoulder and clavicle, another in her side, and a third on her right bicep (Zodiacus).

Downtime: Obviously an incredibly pious individual, Tessora spends much of her time in silent prayer, either on her own or travelling to the nearby church to attend mass.

Otherwise, she spends some time practicing her knightly skills, and often helps the other inhabitants of Sagehollow with their tasks; especially utilising her notable stature and strength to fell trees and move lumber for the resident carpenter.

Fun Fact: She is the tallest member of the covenant, despite being a woman - this often perturbs strangers.

Pet Peeve: The closest thing to a pet peeve that Tessora has is people acting as if her gender has any bearing on her ability or role in life.

Greatest Fear: Tessora's only true fear is failing in her duty to the Lord; however, she believes that God only places burdens upon people that is within their ability to bear.

Most Embarrassing Secret: She slept with a blanket that her grandmother had knitted for her, until she left for England aged 18.

When Drunk: Tessora has never been drunk. The covenfolk have been known to theorise how she would behave, though a concensus is yet to be reached.



Characteristics
Strength +2 Stamina +1 Dexterity +2 Quickness +0 Perception +1 Intelligence +1 Presence +3 Communication +1

Virtues

 * Blessed by GodM
 * Frightful PresenceFree
 * Strong-WilledFree
 * Sense Holiness and UnholinessFree
 * Gentlewoman
 * Heroes’ Birthright (Aura of Ennobled Presence)
 * Heroes’ Birthright (Bind Wound)
 * Improved Characteristics II
 * Inspirational
 * Privileged Upbringing
 * Puissant Leadership
 * Large
 * Relic
 * Tough
 * True Faith IIMx2
 * PremonitionsFree
 * Warrior

Flaws

 * Delusion (Knight)
 * Dutybound
 * Gender NonconformingM
 * Heroic Personality
 * Offensive to Demons
 * PiousM

Reputations
Sword of God (North Nottinghamshire) 3

Personality Traits

 * Brave +5
 * Honourable +4
 * Gentle +3
 * Pious +6

Key Abilities

 * Leadership
 * Single Weapon
 * Etiquette
 * Sense Holiness and Unholiness

Languages
Artes Liberales 1: Latin
 * French 5
 * English 3
 * Latin 3

Abilities

 * Artes Liberales: Latin (Rhetoric) 1
 * Athletics (Keeping Balance) 3
 * Awareness (Alertness) 2
 * Brawl (Grappling) 2
 * Charm (The Devout) 27
 * Common Law (Knighthood) 1
 * Concentration (Prayer) 315
 * Dominion Lore (Angels) 14
 * Etiquette (Nobility) 3
 * Folk Ken (Sinners) 2
 * Language: English (Formal) 3
 * Language: French (Expansive Vocabulary) 5
 * Language: Latin (Church Ceremonies) 315
 * Leadership (Inspiration) 6 (4 + Puissant)
 * Magic Lore (Undead) 01
 * Organisation Lore: The Church (History) 2
 * Premonitions (Infernal Threats) 1
 * Ride (Horse) 2
 * Sense Holiness and Unholiness (Evil) 3
 * Single Weapon (Longsword) 414
 * Swim (Staying Afloat) 1
 * Theology (Heresy) 2

Combat
Soak: 12 (Chainmail 8 + Tough 3 + Stamina 1) Encumbrance: 2 (Load 8 = Burden 4 - Strength 2) Magic Resistance: 30

Note: Tessora very rarely wears a helm, for several reasons; she has faith in the Lord's protection, she wishes to be fully aware of her surroundings in case of a call for mercy or an innocent is in trouble, and she wants people to be inspired by her bravery, which cannot be seen if her face is obscured. Unfortunately, as well as not incurring a Perception penalty and having one less load, this results in her having one less Soak, and rolling an extra botch dice on melee Defence rolls.

Typical Gear
Chainmail and gambeson (no helm), holy longsword, heater shield bearing her personal coat of arms, war horse (Michael)

Opinions on Others
Mages Miss Arianwen - An intelligent and cautious woman, of that I have no doubt - but I have heard no tale of knights performing great deeds through caution. Miss Cirice - Cursed to never reach adulthood, what a burden to carry. She does so with admirable fortitude. Miss Essel - She is courteous to others, and is driven to bring harmony to the other mages of this land - I respect her resolve. Her manipulation of Rohen, however, does not sit well with me - dissembling is a poor foundation for a relationship. Lady Evelyn - She is a true friend to me in a land where I have few. Despite her competence, I cannot help but feel protective of her. Her desire to retrieve the axe from the Gresham Barrows led to much death. I do not hope that she feels burdened by such loss, but I do hope that she considers her actions more carefully in the future.

Companions Lord Rohen - His scorn for the devout is troubling - the Lord has tested him greatly. He cares for his people, and I hope that he can surmount his misgivings with God in time. Ser Tancred - Another knight, touched by the divine! He has lost much on his path, but his purpose has not wavered – I do not question his intent, but his methods seem rather… definitive. Miss Ylvakrí - Having a pagan at the covenant makes me uneasy, but one does not need to worship God to play a good part in His plan, and I will not deny that she does much good. She has been changed from her experiences at the Isle of Man. Hers is a gentle soul, and I wish that she finds her path to peace once more.

Grogs Miss Adelaide - A loyal, if headstrong, squire. I do not understand her competitive nature, but I trust that Tancred will direct it in a constructive way. Master Alfred - He does not say much, but I appreciate his cooking - it is far better than what most others can produce on the road. Master Cuthbert - He believes that all will work out for the best. Hope is an oft-overlooked virtue to possess. I like him. Miss Chimi - A curious person, but one who is earnest and compassionate. I wonder at what a life she must have heretofore led. Master Falko - He seems a stout warrior, but perhaps one who is here for coin and quiet rather than belief in our good work. I shall be happy if such an impression is wrong. Master Islwyn - He never seems to bring himself to look me in the eye. Evelyn says it is because I am so tall, but he will not even when he has climbed into a tree. Miss Millicent - I find her exuberance endearing, and her ability to see the wonder in things so many consider unworthy of note reminds me of the great depths of the Lord's creations. Miss Theopania - I have been told to keep a close eye on Theopania, but I am not sure why. Perhaps it is because her face is so strangely difficult to remember, and therefore I should endeavour to pay more attention to her? Captain Sloane – She is so full of spite at the world. I hope that she has passed the tests that the Lord has given her, and can begin a new life here, with more good within it.

Other/Departed Covenfolk Miss Alison - The child is a product of her unfortunate upbringing, but to be so bloodthirsty at such an age. I worry for her. Sergeant Alistair – I did not know him well, and I wish I had accompanied the group when they ventured into the forest. I hear he fought valiantly, and I shall be doing what I can to see him properly laid to rest. Master Vaughn - A friendly and cheerful woodsman, though he seems somewhat hapless at times. He is a good man. Miss Haeddi - I was greatly saddened to hear of her passing - she was so young and determined to do good. She is surely in a better place now. Master Scarlet - A strong leader of men. His curse of lycanthropy troubles me, but it is a sure sign of the Lord's mercy to allow him the chance to repent.

Other NPCs Baron Louisoix d'Valerian - The idea that knighthood is based on sex and not virtue is baffling. I refuse to yield to his authority when it contradicts that of God; I can only hope that he can be shown the truth of things before further unpleasantness occurs.

Spring 1190
While wandering England, I received visions given to me by Midael of Sherwood Forest, to the north. As I neared, I felt his hand on my shoulder, guiding me to a specific place. Whilst on the road, I encountered a small young woman who introduced herself as Lady Evelyn of Argentan. I bowed and responded in kind, to which she offered to be my friend, describing me as interesting.

I was yet to make any friends in this new land, and truth be told, I had little opportunity to make many at home either due to my responsibilities; learning noble etiquette as befit my station, praying to the Lord, and undertaking my knightly training. This young woman – another French noble, no less – so kindly extending such an offer was highly welcomed. I also felt considerable gratitude for her to consider me interesting, rather than freakish or foolish; for reasons beyond my comprehension, many people seem to be labouring under the strange impression that I cannot be a knight, and thus deride me for my insistence upon that fact. Many also are disconcerted by my height, as if that is in some way indicative of my character or disposition.

I therefore accepted her friendship gladly, and she led me by the hand to a nearby valley within the forest, to a small community residing within. The place was so camouflaged that I was scarcely aware of it until I was all but stood within it!

There were many odd people moving hither and thither, but before I could fathom what business they were conducting, I was led within a cave and there introduced to the leaders of this commune, as varied a group as I have ever encountered; a Welsh woman named Arianwen of Gwynedd, a Germanic woman named Essel of Lubek, and an Irish man called Rian den Fhiántas. The lattermost gave me an uneasy feeling, but I put that down to being viewed with what seemed to me like suspicion and appraisal, rather than welcome.

After I explained my circumstances and quest, they asked for a moment to confer for some reason. When they reconvened in my presence, they asked if I would like to join their community. They explained that though they value their privacy extremely highly, they believed that someone like me could prove valuable to their efforts to help others in the area.

Once they summarised their goals, I agreed that the work they seemed to be doing was just. They then revealed themselves to be a group of mages of "the Order of Hermes"! Though I will not deny that this reveal shocked and disconcerted me, I knew in my heart that Midael had guided me to those people for a purpose, and I did not believe that to be to offer judgement. I agreed provisionally, but emphasised that I would follow my divine guidance above those of the magi. They were accepting of this, which I took to be a further sign that these people were Good.

I eventually came to the conclusion that the magic these people employ is merely a tool – it is the hand that wields where the morality lay. Thus I became a member of this magical community – which I then learned was called the covenant of Sagehollow.

Summer 1190
Some months after settling into this new life, I was summoned to investigate a strange doorway which had appeared within the tunnels below Sagehollow. I was joined by Miss Arianwen, plus a pair of new members – Master Falko the warrior, and Miss Chimi, a peculiar, bare-footed woman who bounds around, not unlike a dog.

After Miss Arianwen examined the markings around the doorway, we sought the aid of Lady Evelyn in creating a poultice to apply to them. I confess I have little knowledge of such things, but Miss Arianwen seemed confident. After tracing those markings, the area demarcated by the doorway was filled with a shimmering substance – apparently a portal to whatever lay beyond. I stepped through to be in a wholly different place!

Miss Arianwen described this as a "Regio", and seemed unfazed by our surroundings. There were a multitude of ruined buildings, along with several charred skeletons. I retrieved them all to prepare them for a Christian burial, but Miss Arianwen asked me to stop and wait until we had finished establishing that the area was safe.

After exploring the ruins further, we discovered a room that had been frozen in time. Within resided what Miss Arianwen described as another mage, partway through attempting to burn a knight with magical fire, who seemed to be knelt, shielded by the flames by a pair of wings. Miss Arianwen spent much time attempting in vain to undo whatever it was that caused time to stop, but seemed at a loss. I did what I always do in times of uncertainty – I prayed.

The Lord answered me, as the flames died out, the mage collapsed dead, the wings disappeared, and the knight began gasping for breath. After regaining himself, he stood up and forcefully asked who we were and from whence we came. It then transpired that he had been locked in time for centuries! He had been sworn to the Order of Hermes, during a war with a diabolic faction of mages – called House Diedne – in what was known as The Schism War. Thankfully, House Diedne was defeated.

The knight, known as Ser Tancred, was under the aegis of an angel called Tiffanius, who had protected him from the mages’ spell. I will confess to some personal excitement to meet another knight, but after exploring the rest of the regio with him, I must say that I found his attitude regarding those who have strayed from the path to be troubling.

There is no doubt within my mind that he is a man of faith and acts in a way that he judges to be right. But my understanding is that sinners should always be offered the chance to repent, and should only be met with absolute punishment when they pose a tangible danger to innocents or oneself, and after heretofore spurning every chance to achieve forgiveness in the light of the Lord.

Experience
Spring 1190: Athletics 2xp (Exposure) Summer 1190: Leadership 5xp, Athletics 2xp (Adventure - Exploring Sagehollow) Autumn 1190: Leadership 5xp, Athletics 5xp (Adventure - Shopping for Iron) Winter 1190: Concentration 2xp (Exposure), Charm 7xp (Correspondence) Spring 1191: Leadership 3xp, Concentration 5xp (Adventure - Visions at Wishborne) Summer 1191: Leadership 5xp, Single Weapon 5xp (Adventure - The Miracle of Summerbridge) Autumn 1191: Concentration 4xp (Practice) Winter 1191: Athletics 4xp (Practice) Spring 1192: Dominion Lore 4xp (Practice) Summer 1192: Concentration 4xp (Practice) Autumn 1192: Leadership 2xp, Magic Lore 1xp, Single Weapon 5xp (Adventure - The Gresham Barrows) Winter 1192: Language: Latin 13xp (Teaching - Richard) Spring 1193: Single Weapon 4xp (Practice - Training the Sagehollow Militia) Summer 1193: Common Law 5xp, Language: Latin 2xp (Adventure - Questioned Knighthoods)