Category: The Dungeon World Tavern: Discussion

ASHEN KNIGHTS (That Ancient Serpent, p. 3)

Notes on ancient Samnis and its remains

When the daughters of Erredulon emerged from the great rift onto the frozen steppe of Samnis, they lit fires against the cold and despaired. But the ash giant Sōga, she-of-eighty-hands, spoke to them: Sisters, my flame is nearly spent; let my journey to meet the dawn be my final gift. And, lo, she planted her ashen body into the winter soil, springing forth in great bounty.

Centuries later, the gladiators of Samnis shed blood and burned corpses in the colosseums as tribute to Sōga, joining the fruit of their bodies with the soil to ensure the harvest. The wealthier houses converted old, crumbling arenas into walled gardens, knowing that the noble dead dwelt among the rows.

Though Samnis is now the Iron Bourse (Dark Heart, p. 20), some of the old ways remain. Illegal back-alley fights are ringed by circles drawn in blood and ash on the paving stones. The women of the merchant houses—the great-granddaughters of gladiators—are buried under agricultural fields in distant planes.

Heritage Moves: sow ash to bring bounty, consecrate a ritual combat, speak with the ghosts among the rows.

Patrons & Targets: merchant, guild, criminal.