12-12-25 Once a Blade Playthrough

Character Background

Bas is my main character that I enjoy playing as. He is a human, about 6'2" with a long black beard and long black hair. He's The Ember House Tavern owner and barkeep in the town of Redhollow. When raiders attacked, he swore an iron vow to find them and put an end to the raids. He hadn't picked up a sword in years at that point. His heart is about 3 sizes too big, but it wasn't always like that. The blade came naturally for him. I haven't really explored his backstory, so I played Once a Blade to better envision when he came to Redhollow. I didn't find out a lot about where he was before Redhollow, but I still had fun discovering his introduction to the town.

Go Into Town:

Card: The Moon, Reversed


The darkest is over, Bas hopes, and trudges forward on tired feet. A smell of fresh bread wafts by and he turns his head towards it.

Card: 8 of Swords, Reversed
As Bas gets closer to the bakery, he hears a hushed argument coming through the open window.

Card: King of Cups
He quickly realizes it’s a mother quietly lecturing her son. She doesn’t yell or raise her voice, just emphasizes the importance of their work. Slacking isn’t going to get anyone anywhere, she's saying. Stern, but not demeaning. Bas immediately can tell she’s a loving mother, something he never got to experience. He continues moving and opens the front bakery door. The mother ruffles her son's hair before giving the smallest smile and turning towards Bas.

Card: Death
Her smile catches a knot in Bas’ throat. She reminds him of his own mother. Was she still alive? He didn’t know. He swallows, returns the smile and holds a hand up in greeting, “Hello. I’m looking to purchase some bread. Is this the place?”
“Ah. It’ll be ready in a few moments. You’re here quite early,” she looks to her son, “We got a late start, too.”
Bas nods and says, “I don’t mind. I’m new here, low on rations from my travels.”
“Where are you coming from,” she asks, as she begins wiping stray flour from the countertops.
“Essus.”
Her face grows grim, “Essus, you say?”
He forces himself not to put his hand on his hilt and nods, “Yes.”
She resumes wiping the counters, a little rougher. She hums, “Right. Well. Not your fault, I suppose.”
Bas tilts his head, “What do you mean?”
“Essus. Took my husband's head. And I mean literally,” she lets out a breath and looks back at her son who is now far enough away to not hear, “Left me and him alone.”


Card: The Fool
The husband was a gambler, and Essus is a gambling town. Whether money or lives? Well, it’s up for the dice to decide.

Coin flip: 2 tails - your body moves exactly as you need it to, and your mind gives you the words you want to say.
Bas thinks of the village, Essus, and the games played there. The tavern trawling with greedy hands. You can bet anything, win anything - just don’t bet your life. Because when you do… he grimaces and bows his head a bit, “I’m sure it hasn’t been easy for you, or your son.”
She dusts off her hands and turns towards the oven, “It hasn’t. But luckily, he didn’t bet our home before his life.” She removes several loaves from the fire and sets them on the countertop, and turns back towards Bas.
She sighs, then turns pink, “I didn’t mean… My son and I have been having a tough time and I let it get to me. I apologize, you just wanted some bread and I…”
Bas shakes his head, “It’s alright. This must be difficult. I am new here, but I hope to make a home of it. My plan is to open a tavern, and you can tell me more over a pint.”
She somewhat smiles and holds out her hand, “Edda. Nice to meet you.”
“Bas.”

Take a Walk:

Card: The Magician, Reversed
After his early meal of bread and water, Bas walks around town, looking for a good spot for the tavern. Stone pillars surround the outskirts of the town, the dirt streets trodden down from countless steps from the bunch of people that make Redhollow their home. Bas has little ability to avoid the memories that bunch up as he passes laughing children and dice-rolling friends outside the inn. They tell him he doesn’t deserve this, he doesn’t deserve a fresh start. His friends aren’t going to get this chance because of his weak will. Because he couldn’t protect them. He runs a hand through his growing beard and looks around, trying to shake off the thoughts.

Card: 4 of Pentacles, Reversed
Bas slides a hand into his pouch and counts the coins inside. He huffs, knowing it’s not nearly enough to purchase the land he seeks. But it doesn’t stop him from coming to an empty space along the main street and eyeing it hopefully. He envisions the tavern made of timber and stone, a brick chimney; tables and chairs, ready to be used by hungry patrons; a bar, where he will stand and serve ale, listening to the woes of others, as his penance.

Card: The Priestess
Bas remains staring at the empty plot. After a while a man walks up.
“Been here a while. Some villagers are starting to worry,” the man says.
Bas turns to him, “I’ve been thinking. Apologies, I did not mean to bother anyone.”
The man laughs and looks towards the land, “Eh, no harm done. Just making sure you’re alright, newcomer. I’m Elstan. I’m the town leader. It’s my duty to make sure everyone here is safe and doing okay.”
Bas nods to him, “I’m looking to purchase this land.”
Elstan raises an eyebrow and leans in close, “I’ve got a secret for you. We don’t sell land here. The land is for the people.”
It’s Bas’ turn to raise an eyebrow and his heart skips in excitement, “What do I have to do? To start a tavern here?”
“Ah, that’s what you’re over here mulling about. Well! I s’pose the easiest thing to do is grab an axe and start preparing lumber.”
“That’s it? No questions asked? I just… can have the plot?”
“Like I said, the land is for the people and you look like one.” Elstan claps him on the back, “Come to see me if you have any trouble getting set up!” And walks away.

Find A Job

Card: The Empress
The days move quickly and pass into a couple months. The frame of the tavern goes up first, then the walls, then the roof. The inside is fitted with proper flooring and a solid wood bar. Tables are brought in, and Edda provides the grain for the ale. Soon, The Ember House is bustling. Laughter is shared, games are played, drinks are drunk, and Bas’ heart becomes a little lighter. The iron sword now lives displayed on the wall behind the bar. Watching, waiting, for when the vow calls it to action. Bas calls Redhollow home.