Chapter 2 - The Grey Knight (515 AD)
Eventually, Sir Caradwg also falls asleep and the abbey is silent, with just the remnants of the storm providing some background noise.
Once all of the knights are asleep, a cowled figure appears in Sir Dalan's room. Her soft touch caresses the unconscious knight and she has her way with him. In the morning, Sir Dalan awakes feeling slightly weaker (2 hp damage), remembering only an erotic but strangely disturbing dream.
Soon after, the figure appears in Sir Gracian's room with similar results. In the morning, Sir Gracian awakes feeling slightly weaker (5 hp damage), remembering only an erotic but strangely disturbing dream.
Next is Sir Tyngyr, who is awakened by the soft caress. The young knight sits up as the cowl is drawn back to reveal a beautiful woman with deep, dark eyes. "Sir Tyngyr," she croons, "I have long awaited your coming." She lays a hand gently on Sir Tyngyr's chest and pushes him back down on the bed. Although he is sure that this is a bad idea, he is unable to resist Theodora the Succubus and like the others, awakes in the morning feeling slightly weaker (2 hp damage), remembering a beautiful face and an erotic but strangely disturbing dream.
Finally is Sir Caradwg, who is likewise awakened by the gentle touch. Sir Caradwg sits up as the cowl is drawn back to reveal a gorgeous young woman with lusterous hair and dark eyes. "Sir Caradwg," comes her alluring voice, "I have long awaited your coming." She lays a hand gently on Sir Caradwg's chest and pushes him back down on the bed. He is unable to resist the Succubus and like the others, awakes in the morning feeling slightly weaker (5 hp damage), remembering a beautiful woman and an erotic but strangely disturbing dream.
In the morning, the four knights find themselves lying in a field, their squires and horses nearby but no sign of the abbey, Brother Taman, or . . . anyone else.
OOC: The knights find no additional information about Brother Taman but perhaps will figure out that the cowled woman was a succubus. A successful Pious roll awakens the knight who could attempt to roll his Chaste versus Theodora's Lustful. Failure results in her stealing d6 health. Dalan and Gracian failed their Pious, while Tyngyr and Caradwg were successful with Chaste but were overcome by Theodora's Lustful.
Sir Dalan - Lose 2 hp.
Sir Gracian - Lose 5 hp, gain +1 to Worldly for fumbling your Pious roll.
Sir Tyngyr - Lose 2 hp, gain +1 to Pious for criticaling your Pious roll.
Sir Caradwg - Lose 5 hp, gain experience check in Pious and Chaste (if you attempted to resist Theodora).
Feeling well rested but a bit weaker, the four companions set out across the tractless Wasteland in search of the Queen of the Wasteland. They wander throughout the day seeing little but rot and decay. In the late afternoon they spot a small village in the distance. The village consists of a collection of buildings but there is no sign of life, human or animal.
Approaching the village, a knight rides out toward the group. He is wearing heavy chain, which is well maintained, but the rest of his gear is frayed and weathered. He sits astride a ragged-looking charger, whose gear appears to be in poor shape.
Behind the knight, on foot, is his squire. The squire appears to be in his 30s and wears ragged clothing. His age bespeaks a man who has dedicated his life to being a squire. He carries several lances and a morning star.
The knight stops his horse some distance from the group and immediately hurls a challenge, "I am the Guardian of Olbray and, as my liege has charged me, I defend this village with my life. Turn about or meet me in mortal combat."
OOC: Sir Gracian recognizes the knight as Sir Vardilain the Staunch of Listeneise. He has heard that Sir Vardilain has 3000+ glory is an accomplished warrior (Lance/Horsemanship/Morning Star > 16) and has a significant (20+) loyalty to his liege.
Sir Gracian - +1 to Heraldry for rolling a critical success.
Next Steps:
Feel free to chronicle your day, including thoughts on the prior night (Sir Caradwg can decide whether or not he attempted to resist Theodora's charms, although sadly her desire for him was too great). It is starting to get dark and although not stormy out, it would be nice to have shelter for the night. You can talk to Sir Vardilain, accept his challenge, attempt to ride toward the village, or turn around.