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 learnt languages, etiquette 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.Darius happily accepted, in time Tancred even became used to his gift, and formed a warrior's bond. After learning more about this strange order of wizards and battling strange creatures, malicious faeries, daemons and godless heathens. 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....

Description
Age: 27 (born 980) Height: 5'8" Build: muscular

Tancred is an intense man, growing up in a time of constant war, mundane and hermetic (schism war) with a Flambeau hoplite as a mentor, Tancred quickly categorizes people as friends or foes, loyal to the former and merciless to the latter. Tiffinius (guardian angel) does it's best to soften his hard edges.

Notable Features: Cold stare, and itchy sword arm.

Downtime: Tancred is a very disciplined individual, when not at prayers, he is training for war, hunting, sparring or training his protégé Adelaide. When exhausted from training, Tancred tries to learn more about the Order's enemies, to be better prepared when the time comes to confront them. Also on the look out for a suitable wife, appropriate to his station.

Fun Fact: Keen jouster. Lost the use of his ears after a training blow (he used to be able to wiggle them) his hearing is unaffected.

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

Virtues
Guardian Angel (Tiffianius)M, Knight, Hermetic Experience, extra characteristics, Perfect Balance, Puissant Single Weapon, cautious with single weapon, Warrior

Flaws
Oath of Fealty (Order of Hermes)M, Driven (defeat the order's enemies)M, wrathful (minor), 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 + Height
27 (born 980) height 5ft 8 inches (muscular build)

Abilities
Speak French (Norman dialect) 5 Speak Spanish (soldiers) 2 Speak Arabic (Nobles) 3 Speak Latin (Mages) 4 Artes Liberalis (music) 1 Athletics (climb) 3 Awareness (wearing helmet) 2 Brawl (dagger) 3 (8) Single weapon (Long sword + heater) 4+2 (13) Area Lore Southern Italy 11th century 3 (worthless ability) Proffession Soldier (watches) 2 (5) Ride (battle) 3 (12) 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) 1 Area Lore Southern Spain (towns) 2 Carouse (sober) 2 Area Lore (Midlands) 1 Guile (identity) 1 Magic Lore (traditions) 2 (5) Church Lore (rites) 1

Combat
Dagger - init +1 Attk +6   Def +5   Dmg +5 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, gambeson, open helm (11) Stam (2) =+12 (17 with guardian angel bonus) Encumbrance (on foot only) (armor 6, sword 1 shield 2 = burden 3 - Str = Encumbrance 1)

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 Evelyn - 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 - Tiffinius called her "the Lord's wrath and Justice upon the earth, she is his sword and shield." A heavy burden to be sure, the Lord tests his champions harshly Will Scarlet - Good soldier, fights for money not honor though. Torvi Ylvakrí - Essel has told me she is an asset against the Order of Odin, for her sake I will tolerate this Pagan witch, but if she is revealed a spy, I stand ready. 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 Bryne Vaughn - Bled for the team, Kudos Cass - Another one not to take your eyes off Doctor Tursten Maynard - 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 Islwyn - 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 Richard - A sage councilor, can fill me in on what I have missed Alison - I will train Adelaide to be better! Percival "Arrow Bait" Fletcher - Bled for the covenant, a soldier to the core

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

Lady Tessora received a visitation from one of the Holy host, It bade her to travel to the town of Summer Bridge in order to save many souls from damnation. I and my faithful custos Adelaide accompanied her, along with some of the other covenfolk of Sage hollow. Upon arrival it quickly became apparent the town was under the sway of a demagogue that went by the name 'speaker John' all but the priest had succumbed to his warped ideology. Lady Tessora and I tried to convince this cur of his errors through a theological debate. No matter how valid our reasoning and how unreasonable his, he remained unconvinced. The entire town had sided with him, they paid no tithe nor tax, and seemed unafraid of retribution from church or state, indeed they welcomed it!

Despite my desire to strike him done for treason against the crown, and blasphemy against god, to show the brainwashed residents that he was mortal and not the prophet he claimed. Tiffinius and Lady Tessora gave sage council believing it would cut out any hope of redemption for him and the townsfolk if they subsequently tried to avenge his death. In all humility I acquiesced to this approach. We met again with the priest, who was losing hope and faith at the loss of his flock. After I and Lady Tessora shared our experiences of Divine intervention and how we all face doubt on occasion we were able to rekindle his desire to try once more to save his town. At his recommendation we left the town and camped outside, ready to reunite in the morning to show a united front. He felt our continued presence could inflame the mob, before we could act.

We were awoken by the tolling of the church bell in alarm and raced back into the town, over the palisade which barred our approach. Alas we were too late, the townsfolk had burned the priest at the stake, in an act of blasphemous barbarity. When we called Shame upon the 'speaker' for his foul deed, he responded with more heretical diatribes. This time however his 'angel' revealed itself as a Daemon, reveling in its deception of John and his disciples. Putting the townsfolk to panic. At this moment the daemon summoned a company of infernal knights to aid his defense. While I confronted these 'knights' on the natural choke point of the bridge. lady Tessora gave battle to the Daemon, whilst brave Adelaide helped calm the panicked children and brought them to the church.

God intervened twice next, firstly the foul Daemon gravely injured our poor cook Alfred, then slayed Lady Tessora, before a flash of divine light and a resurrected Haloed Lady Tessora equipped with a new sword, recovered from the reliquary of the church dealt a fatal blow to the Daemon, banishing it back to Hell. I had slain one of the hell knights on the bridge and was engaging the next, when a group of skeletal figured garbed in crusader outfits, emerged from the church and aided me in finishing the knight, and putting the others to flight.

The townsfolk ashamed of their actions, attended the funeral of the priest and vowed to engage on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to seek redemption. After now seeing poor Adelaide twice in danger this year alone, I recovered the mail from the fallen knights, once back at the covenant I will have a partial suit of armour, and a helmet, sword and shield made for her. I will also finally begin her lessons in swordplay, for her protection before the years end.

"Over the course of this journey from Lady Tessora, Tiffinius, the priest and even the loathsome Daemon the state of my soul and righteousness was questioned, and doubt even crept upon me. I had fought on Crusade in the Reconquista, sanctioned by the Pope assured of the remission of my sins. Bizarrely this assurance was questioned. How can the pope be wrong? what of papal infallibility, he was/is God's representative on Earth. If righteous combat is not praise to God then are the knight's Templar Holy or misguided? My actions with Darius were always sanctioned by the Order (they are the good guys - right?) from soulless Faeries that fed off fear, to druids that performed sacrifices to pagan gods, to witches that tormented the faithful. I will put my faith in the church, through the Pope's teachings. I value the angel's guidance of course but each Human must walk his own path to Heaven, they were born there and without Soul." (Miracle at Summer bridge Adventure 10xp, 5xp Church Lore, 5xp Ride)

Autumn 1191

The mage Essel returned this season, after church she informed me of the arrival of Torvi, a pagan Rune reader from the lands of the Vikings. I was naturally concerned for the well being spiritual and mortally of the others. Essel allayed some of my fears, she seemed to imply she was a double agent supplying information to be used against the Order of Odin when the time comes to take action against them. She ordered me upon my oath to do no harm to Torvi, I cannot claim to understand fully why she needs to stay, but I will honor my oath. It unsettles me however to have an unrepentant Pagan amidst us, maybe Lady Tessora can set her upon the right path? I have been remiss in my training of Adelaide. I will thus spend the rest of the year training her in weapons. Next year I will train her horsemanship. I would prefer she doesn't get into combat situations of course, but the nature of this new life sadly makes this wish unfulfillable. I will therefore give her the basics to defend herself if it comes to it. (Adelaide gain 10+5xp (Tancred's skill +3 (10) + apt student bonus (5) - Tancred gain 2xp in single weapon + shield)

Winter 1191 Adelaide is developing fast, she has callouses in all the right places, and has stopped complaining of bruises and tiredness, there is a soldier in her yet! - Training will continue for her own good. (Adelaide gain 10+5+5xp (Tancred's skill +3 (10) + apt student bonus (5) + good teacher bonus from figurine - Tancred gain 2xp in single weapon + shield)

1192 Spring 1192 Adelaide is growing more skilled with the blade now, but much to learn my new apprentice has. If she is to accompany me on missions for the Order of Hermes her horsemanship (horsewomanship?) needs to improve greatly. With the thawing snows, muddy woodland trails and scenic views, now is a great opportunity to put Maximus and Minimus through their paces. (Adelaide gain 17xp Ride skill (Tancred's skill +3 =7 + apt student and good teacher bonus from figurine = +10) - Tancred gain 2xp in Ride)

Summer 1192 This season I was able to put my training to use. Through the usage of some fairy beans, I and a small hand picked team were granted access to a foul God-forsaken (and quite xenophobic!) Giant, a barbaric, uncultured creature that desired the taste of Human flesh and bone, and preyed on the defenseless. Via the Giant beanstalk conjured by the magical beans, we were able to enter it's lair, a well appointed castle of epic scale.

After falling through a trap door, sprung by an impetuous Erik (a berserker apparently) we were forced to undergo a series of trials, navigating a maze like rats, and solving a puzzle of magic lore which Haeddi the librarian mage was able to decipher. Finally the prey was sighted. With divine resolve I struck the beast with all my righteous fury, my blade guided by the saints, I inflicted a grave wound to the creature. My young protégée Adelaide followed my strike with a well timed blow of her own (my training has been effective it seems) before the Berserker claimed the kill as it was mortally wounded.

In the aftermath, I felt proud of Adelaide's bravery and skill, relief at the death of the agent of the Devil. I am doubly pleased that Adelaide did not resort to undignified behavior such as posing or gloating over the victory (Erik has much to learn about class) The party acquired coin, and items of gold and texts of value to the mages. How the Giant acquired Hermetic books is unknown, likely they were stolen so there liberation was a boon. I was able to subdue a goose nearly 3 times larger than usual, that apparently lays eggs of gold!. My bewilderment as to how this fits in with God's plans was dwarfed by the inconvenience of lugging it out, and down the Beanstalk again!.

The mission was a complete success, when next I train Adelaide, her knife work can do with some refinement I think. May God be pleased by our actions. (Giant Beanstalk adventure - 7xp - 4xp single weapon - 3xp brawl) Autumn 1192 This season I was asked to accompany the Mage Arianwen, along with Adelaide the Pagan witch Torvi, the fairy touched Chimi, as well as Osanna and Bryne. Our mission was to locate and investigate a 'stone tree' of magical significance. Our journey was beset with omens and sightings of the walking dead. Torvi utilized her pagan mysticism to confer an incoherent warning, and to lead us on a detour to a river to catch a fish (sigh) the only thing of use found were the footprints of the walking dead, heading towards our destination. Despite hesitations from Torvi we continued with ardent resolve to our objective.

Locating the forested hill where the 'tree' was to be found, it was surrounded by pagan idols in the form of standing stones. These bore runes that told the tale of Ragnarok, the purported end of the world and the false gods. These stones were designed to ward the 'tree' from an outside threat but were damaged and no longer functioning. Taking solace in the truth that the end of the world will be heralded by the second coming of our savior, not a war between Giants and fairy beings as depicted on these stones. Meanwhile the Mage Arianwen had flown to the 'tree' and revealed its true identity as a Irminsul, she also saw a large wooden platform. Pooling our knowledge of Magic and Fairy we identified the cause of the walking dead as a Muspelli. Seeking to perform a ritual to break the Irminsul to release the Kosmokrators imprisoned by the False Gods known as Aesir.

Facing a moral quandary I consulted with Tiffanius for guidance. I was informed that Were Ragnarok to be caused, it would have no effect on the Dominion, the exact effects on the fairy realm would be uncertain (The Aesir would be destroyed, but how it would effect other fae, with different stories is unknown) but certainly detrimental, the Magic realm would be strengthened, but the Dominion would remain ascendant. Tiffanius would not guide me on what choice to make, leaving it to my free will. Certainly the removal of the false gods would be a boon, after all the bible is clear 'Thou shalt have no other gods but me' it is well known the forces of Hell use these false gods to lead folk away from salvation. The strengthening of the Magic realm would also aid the order of Hermes, allowing previous limits to be overcome, allowing the good they do to be magnified, be that confronting the forces of Hell, healing the sick or protecting the innocent.

On the other hand, the number of Pagan worshipers diminishes year by year due to the successes of our missionaries this will continue to diminish the false god's powers rendering them irrelevant if not vanquished. Secondly the Muspelli want Ragnarok for a reason and it is not the glory of God but power for themselves, it is unwise to ally yourself to people whose motives are unknown. Thirdly the effects to the Order of Hermes would be great. House Merinita especially, as well as any mage with fairy blood or powers. Having lived through one schism war I know more than anyone the devastation and suffering such an event would cause. Having said that it will also cause anger to other mages if it is discovered we could have strengthened the Magic realm but chose not to.

I raised these issues with Arianwen and Torvi and Chimi spoke their minds on the subject. I was especially concerned with the fact that if we interfered with this ritual and removed the 'stone tree' we will become enemies of the Muspelli who will seek to retrieve it, putting all the inhabitants of Sage Hollow in danger. The Mage's are young and not the combat mages I have served with in the past. We recently lost 10 of our combatants on another adventure against the dead, with signs that more of our warriors may leave soon for the Holy land, and the frequent absence of mages on their own journeys, Sage Hollow is vulnerable, should good Christian soles be sacrificed to protect pagan gods? After all the Kosmokrators were created by God, but imprisoned by the Aesir who demanded worship to continue the kosmokrator's work. Is it wrong to free the imprisoned?

In conclusion, not trusting the motive of the Muspelli, and unclear as to the consequences of our action/inaction we decided to halt the ritual and remove the 'stone tree' to Sage Hollow where we will decide our course of action. Upon entering the clearing and planning a way to remove the objective, the walking dead converged. Adelaide was safe with the horses, the rest of us (except Chimi) made a stand on the wooden platform. The horde had a champion, a re-animated Viking who challenged me to single combat, which I was honor bound to accept. The battle did not take long, I could see where his previous death wound was, and realized his vulnerability, 2 solid blows later his was vanquished. a large group then swarmed me, but with faith as my shield, and righteousness in my sword arm, I smote them one by one, remaining unscathed.

I must give special mention to Chimi, she single handedly ambushed and engaged the Muspelli using her bare hands, taking the foul creature by surprise, even as the creature transformed into a dragon and took to the air, she held on resolute. Even when the dragon fought and slew a Valkyrie, she retrieved a scale from the dragons back and survived the encounter. She has earned my respect for her courage, I will give thanks to God for protecting her in our moment of need. (Stone tree Adventure 9xp - 5xp Magic Lore, 4 xp single weapon) Winter 1192