Tancred

Just an 11th century man getting by in a 12th century world.

Tancred grew up in the recently conquered South of Italy, son of one of the Norman commanders, with a captured Muslim wetnurse and access to teachers of many nationalities. Tancred became adept at languages and the warrior skills. After the death of his father, the lands went to his oldest brother, the next son was secured a favorable position in the church, as the third son Tancred received a horse, arms and some cash and told to find his own path in the traditional Norman way. With the planned invasion of Sicily constantly delayed Tancred and a group of other 3rd sons joined the Reconquista in Spain, seeking spoils and glory in God's name. After one famous defense of a monastery Tancred was visited by the angel Tiffinius who made it his mission to watch over Tancred in gratitude for saving the monks. One year later Tancred and a small force of crusaders were ambushed by a large Muslim force, greatly outnumbered they prepared to die with honor, they were saved by a lone knight who wielded holy fire. He killed many with this divine retribution and saved Tancred's life. After the battle the knight named himself Darius of the house of Flambeau vassal of the Order of Hermes. In gratitude for his intervention and awe struck by his power, Tancred swore his sword to him and this Order of Hermes. Surprised his gift didn't affect Tancred Darius happily accepted. After learning more about this strange order of wizards and battling strange creatures, faeries, daemons and heathens a strong bond was formed. Finally in the early 11th century Darius informed Tancred they and a host of soldiers and mages would be travelling to England to battle renounced Pagan blood sacrificers of the House Diedne. The siege began well, with the Aegis being overwhelmed Tancred and his company were engaged with the defenders turb as the wizards fought with magic. Then a flash followed by a blast of magic filled the area distorting everything around it. Tiffanius wrapped his wings around Tancred to protect him but they were both enveloped by the wave.... The next moment after regaining their senses they are relieved to be alive, but something doesn't feel right....

Characteristics
Intelligence: -1, Perception: -2, Presence: +1, Comminication: +0, Strength: +2, Stamina: +2, Dexterity: +2, Quickness: +1

Virtues
Guardian Angel (Tiffianius)M, Knight, Hermetic Experience, Linguist, Perfect Balance, Puissant Single Weapon, Unaffected by the Gift, tough

Flaws
Oath of Fealty (Order of Hermes)M, Ambitious (Become a jousting champion)M, Obsessed (Protection of Magi), Realm Stigmatic (Faerie), Social Handicap (Timelost), Worthless Abilities

Personality Traits
Homesick +1, Fearless +3, Loyal to the Order of Hermes +3

Typical Gear
Chainmail, Heater Shield, Warhorse, Longsword, Lance, Traveling gear

Age
26

Abilities
Speak French (Norman dialect) 5 Speak Spanish (soldiers) 4 Speak Arabic (Nobles) 4 Speak Greek (Nobles) 3 Speak Latin (Mages) 4 Artes Liberalis (music) 2 Athletics (climb) 3 Awareness (alertness) 2 Brawl (dagger) 3 Single weapon (Long sword + heater) 4+2 (5) Area Lore Southern Italy 11th century 3 (worthless ability) Proffession Soldier (watches) 2 (5) Ride (battle) 3 (5) Animal handling (horse) 2 Stealth (ambush) 2 Hunt (deer) 2 Etiquette (Nobles) 2 Charm (ladies) 2 Order of Hermes Lore (houses) 3 Leadership (trained groups) 2 Area Lore Southern Spain (towns) 2 Great weapon - (Long spear) 1 Carouse (sober) 2 Area Lore (Midlands) 1 Guile (identity) 1 Magic Lore (traditions) 2 (5)

Combat
Dagger - init +1 Attk +6   Def +5   Dmg +5 Lance on foot - init +4 Attk +7   Def +4  Dmg +9 Long sword + shield (on foot) - init +3 Attk +13  Def +12  Dmg +8 Long sword + shield (mounted) - init +3 Attk +16  Def +15 Dmg +8 Lance + shield (mounted) - init +4 Attk +14  Def +14  Dmg +9 Soak Full chainmail (11) Stam (2) Tough (3) =+16 (21 with guardian angel bonus)

Opinions on Others
Mages Arianwen - More direct and forthright, reminds me a bit of Darius, she will take action when it's needed Cirice - I underestimated her until I saw her in action. Formidable! Edric - Wise and knowledgeable, certainly no fighter, don't understand why he frightens everyone else though Rian - Died with honor in battle, I did all I could to protect you, it wasn't enough. Next time I'll do better Evelin - A true mystery, not my place to judge though! a beauty to be sure, but how can she make armor, she can hardly open a jar that's already open. Essel - A diplomat and politician, they have their place I suppose Companions Iris - Robin of Loxley - A true warrior uses a sword in the open, not a bow hiding in the woods Lady Tessora of Artois - Will learn the hard way that being a knight is not like the stories Will Scarlet - Good soldier, fights for money not honor though. Grogs Silk - Never turn your back on him, untrustworthy Gillian - Battle hardened, and worthy of respect Theopania - who? Chimi - Odd to say the least, doesn't seem a threat though Adelaide - Doesn't understand that Girl's can't be knights, instead I'll train her to serve the Order of Hermes Byrne - Bled for the team, Kudos Cass - Another one not to take your eyes off Doc. Thursten - Knows his trade Old Giles - Still has a solid right hook, he still generation gaps me though! Lohse - Great voice, pleasant company Erik - Lacks the discipline to be a true warrior, might be a useful distraction though Alistair - I hear good things about him, reliable Falko - Takes a beating, how high did he fall from! just a bust leg, glad to have him on our side Osanna - Got quite the earful when I offered to help her carry a heavy chest, was only trying to be a gentleman! Oskar - What's with that pig, and what is emotional support anyway? Cuthbert - Will be useful to fill me in on who is who these days Islywyn - Are all the Welsh like that? Alfred - An army marches on its stomach, thanks to him we can go far Haeddi - A mage apparently, not seen her cast any magic though Edward - Gets to spend all year with Evelyn, quite jealous in a way

=== Story === and advancement log 1190

Summer 1190

Awakened after more than a century trapped in limbo, the last thing I remember was battling the Diedne devil summoners for God and the Order of Hermes. I now find myself in the distant future, once more at the service of Darius’s successors. The new mages are vassals of the order from different lineages, their temperaments are also very different. Darius was direct and un-compromising these new mages, more passive. Happy in the knowledge that the Diedne were eliminated and the war over. I must find a new purpose in a world that has changed much in some ways, but little in others. The ruins of my vanquished enemies, will now be my new home.

''“To my fallen comrades you fought with honor, towards God’s greater glory. Darius I’m sorry I could not fulfil my vow to fight by your side, until my dying breath. My vow to the order we all served remains true. I will protect these new mages with the same duty and determination as when I fought by your side.”'' (7xp Profession soldier 5 Magic lore 2)

Autumn 1190

My first foray outside Sage hollow took me to the town of Normanston in company with the maga Arianwen. While there it became apparent that a ‘witch’ was to be executed for the deaths of some villagers. After some investigation it was determined that although she was a witch, she was not a murderer. Seeing no way to convince the authorities of this a breakout and rescue was to be attempted.

These killings had in fact been carried out by a specter of some description, it killed again after an enjoyable evening in the company of a widowed beauty. Shockingly I was framed for this vile murder and due to be put on trial by a villainous upstart by the name of Gisborne! Aware that my ‘trial’ would be a show trial to pacify the Populus from the ghost’s killings, I boldly called out the naïve Gisborne for the £%^&ing $%^&er he is, and called for my sword. A trial by combat to prove my innocence and to serve as a distraction for the rescue of the witch.

God and Tiffianius was on my side, I defeated and slew Gisborne’s champion, proving my innocence. Killing one man to prove I did not kill a woman. This also distracted the guards from the prison break which was successful. While preparing to leave Normanston and rejoin my companions I encountered a Girl Adelaide carrying a strange magic book in a language unknown to me. She was recently orphaned and wanted to accompany me, and serve as my squire. (of course, she can never become a knight, as she is not a man. But I will train her as a custos to serve the Order of Hermes as I do)

''“To Guy of Gisborne, you can threaten vengeance all you like. I have fought the moors in Spain, foul sorcerers, evil witches, faeries and unspeakable beasts. I have fought the renegade house Diedne. You are as irritating as a saddle sore, and much less dangerous to me”'' (9xp Area Lore Midlands 5, Magic Lore 4) Winter 1190

I spent this season being taught Latin to improve my skills and converse with the mages better. I hope also to learn English in the future to speak to my new ‘squire’ and the other coven folk. (xp gain from 3-4)

1191

Spring 1191

I accompanied the mages Rian and Cirice to Boristrum Castle. We encountered a strange collection of squatters and vagrants residing within. They were preventing access to a mound of magical significance and the castle tower. They lacked any respect for the authority of their betters which made me very suspicious of them. My suspicions were confirmed after they summoned a shadowy creature to join another that they were communing with. They were foul beings of obvious malice.

The mages determined we should stop this foul cult from summoning more daemons in a ritual due at the full moon. I entered the castle grounds and spoke to the shadow fiends, they seemed to recognize that I was not of my time, also that I was protected by Tiffianius. The cult members had killed themselves in a sinful suicide pact, and were now resurrected as hideous undead fiends.

I spurred Minimus into the fray and killed as many of the fiends as I could to shield the mages, Cirice showed herself more formidable than I thought by turning into a bear. Adelaide was separated from me so I asked Tiffianius to shield her from harm. The battle was intense I decided to lead the swarm out of the castle to prevent us being overrun. It appeared to work; the swarm followed me away from the others. Despite many serious injuries the party survived the onslaught until the creature's collapsed.

Alas, in the confusion Rian had climbed to the top of the tower, separated from the others by the swarm and there killed by one of the hell spawned shadows. After finding Adelaide, we rode to the next village for a healer and help to transport the wounded back home, and inform the others of this heinous act.

''“I failed you Rian, when the danger became apparent, I should have insisted we left, forced you if necessary. Could I have done more in the battle? What could I have done? I must live with this shame and gain righteous vengeance against these Ascians. Hopefully your soul can rest easier for that then”'' (10xp Ride 5 single weapon 5)

Summer 1191