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 which is faintly luminous in pitch darkness, very 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.

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.

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 Load: 8 Burden: 4 Encumbrance: 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 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. Cirice - Cursed to never reach adulthood, what a burden to carry. She does so with admirable fortitude. Essel - She is courteous to others, and is driven to bring harmony to the other mages of this land. I respect her resolve. Evelyn - She is a true friend to me in a land where I have few. Though despite her competence, I cannot help but feel protective of her.

Companions 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.

Grogs 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. Alfred - He does not say much, but I appreciate his cooking - it is far better than what most others can produce on the road. Cuthbert - He believes that all will work out for the best. Hope is an oft-overlooked virtue to possess. I like him. Chimi - A curious person, but one who is earnest and compassionate. I wonder at what a life she must have heretofore led. 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. Haeddi - It is strange, she considers herself a peer amongst the magi, yet they seem to bear her in little higher regard than a capable assistant. 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. 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?

Other/Departed Covenfolk Alison - The child is a product of her unfortunate upbringing, but to be so bloodthirsty at such an age. I worry for her. 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. Bryne Vaughn - A friendly and cheerful woodsman, though he seems somewhat hapless at times. He is a good man. Will 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.

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)