Classic Fantasy

    The Journal of Thomas Langford

    The following character was created entirely through rolls on the Noble career, as an example of the career system. Career systems of this type are also known as "Lifepath" systems, and are featured in some prominent RPGs. Every six months, the character gains some benefit from their career, such as skills, abilities, rank, etc.. In this case, I chose to roll both for what the character was doing, as well as for what they learned and if an event occurred. Then, I interpreted the results.


    Being the Journal of Thomas Langford, Page in the house of Lord Alfred Beadunde.

    The learned scholar, with respect, may have to be patient, as I had not before thought to put pen to inkpot to record my life, remarkable though it may have at times been. Being twenty years of age, the thought came to me that perhaps better now than never

    I shall begin, then, by putting down the last eight years short and simply, as beforehand not much of note had happened. I grew in the house of my father, learned what is needful for a child to know, and then was sent to the castle to apprentice.

    My first impression of Lord Beadunde was on the practice field; a large, strong man, besting two young knights at once. At the time, I was tall, but thin; more concerned with books than battle. Lord Beadunde took the time to try to beat some weapon-work and ways of commanding soldiers into my head; I'm afraid my skill with sword, mace and hammer is indifferent even now.

    In return, I tried to learn what I could, and helped the other pages with more scholarly matters, and in mediating disputes, and the peace of the household. In this, I learned what would help me more later, and was able to help in turn.

    That is, we went three times to battle. In the first, I did not do well, and Lord Baedunde had harsh words for my bungling; but also praise for my focus on keeping most of my soldiers alive. I still remember what he said; I shall paraphrase, as I'm afraid Lord Afred has a colourful turn of phrase I lack:

"A lot of uneducated people will tell you that war is about dying gloriously in battle. It can be that, if something needs to be done. But better your opponent die gloriously."

     I made sure to do better in the next two battles with my little command, and Lord Beadunde gave less criticism and more praise each time. There is one other thing; after our second battle, I found myself having the same, peculiar dream, as if in a struggle for my life, every Sunday.



    I must admit, I know little of religion, but I have always been sure to keep up my prayers. It is this to which I attribute the lack of harm when...Well, perhaps to start at the start. Our third battle was occasioned when a large force of bandits attacked and made off with Lord Beadundes' young cousin, who was on his way to be presented for the first time. Lord Beadunde, of course, immediately set off in pursuit, along with picked men. I was honoured to be included.

    We initially thought this nothing more than simple ransom or to sway Lord Alfreds' decisions by threats to his cousins' life. However, when we camped for the night, a thick and dark miasma arose from the ground; a few died, and others ran shrieking; many had a dreadful look on their face. A few, including Lord Alfred and myself, were unaffected. Of the days and nights that followed, though they be few, I will speak nothing more, save that Lord Alfred and those with him, including myself, were victorious, and his cousin is even now, of last report, safe.

    I found more comfort in prayer after that time.

    There is little else to report, save that I have attained some measure of martial skill, and of a size to match. That my scholarly skills outside of war are "adequate", by the words of my tutors, and that I know a little of leadership in war and peace. Though I have not as yet lead any noteworthy thing, though I followed on the coattails of Lord Beadundes' heroism.

    I close this entry in the 20th year of my life, at the end of the year, and feeling both anticipation and concern for the new.