The Rake

Maegar Varn's page

46 posts. Alias of Alexander Kilcoyne.


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A bank? I am afraid we cannot even boast of a mercantile house, good Ilya. We're still considered far too risky an area for such an establishment to consider setting up shop. You are however, free to visit any of the local craftsmen and guilds. We have a particularly fine Gemcutter and Jeweller pair in the main town square who export their wares to Brevic nobility.


Meanwhile, in Varnhold...

Ilya Shukhov wrote:

A hint of sadness touches Ilya's eyes and he drops his formality. "Maegar, I wish we could have exchanged more pleasantries before I was forced to bear you this news." He sighs, then spies a bottle of liquor sitting on a side table. He quietly pours a two glasses, then pauses as he puts the stopper back in the bottle. "Lord Sirian is dead." He takes his drink in one pull, grimacing against the acrid tang. "He and his party were waylaid and slaughtered on their journey south to Kardas. The Statkari recovered his body and were able to question it through divine contact. Some bestial goblin-kin, or something near to it, was the cause of his death." He turns around and offers Maegar the second glass. "We are still reeling from his untimely demise."

He spreads his hands. "We are, frustratingly, without much lead concerning his death. The news of such well-coordinated beast folk in the northern reaches was a surprise to us all. Have you heard of any such monstrous things organizing themselves?"

Maegar Varn smiled as he revealed that Lord Sirian had personally informed him that Kardas had raised him from the dead with a powerful ritual overseen by High Priest Jhod. He happily drank along with Ilya, making idle talk between matters of state. The trade road was ready on Varn's side- a well built road that went through Varnhold Pass between the mountain range and extended to the Shrike river; awaiting Kardas' own road to line up with it.

Monstrous things organising themselves? Well unless I count the Orcs, Centaurs, Iobarian Hobgoblin Raiders... No, can't think of much else. These "Stolen Lands" are truly a place where a man is tempered- like a sword in a forge... I hope Baron Malthir is having an easier time of it than I am. We could sorely use the trade income to outfit our forces.


The Baron of Varnhold returned Ilya's gracious bow with one no less formal, arms spread wide and with a welcoming smile. As always, Maegar acted as a paternalistic figure to Ilya as one of the Guardians, descending from his gaudy chair to pat Ilya fondly on the shoulder. Once the formalities and titles had been announced by his herald, Maegar Varn spoke to Ilya in a more private setting.

Ilya! You were sadly absent during my tour of Kardas; but I remember fondly the correspondence we had with one another a year or so ago. Your letters were exquisitely written and warmed this old warrior's heart- to think I had such fine neighbours! I truly am blessed. What news from Kardas? How fareth Lord Sirian?


Meanwhile, in Varnhold...

Ilya had finally arrived with his Hellknight bodyguards keeping him safe on the roads. He noted that Varnhold itself was now a flourishing settlement although Varn himself appeared to be attempting to construct a single, very large settlement rather than found multiple cities. The Swordlord himself resided in a fine wooden keep and the town was painstakingly constructed; clearly an architect was working very hard to make the town a very fine one indeed.

Not long after his arrival, Ilya was immediately taken to see Varn himself, who had apparently just finished a sparring session. He invited Ilya into his private quarters to talk and seemed extremely warm and welcoming, receptive to what the diplomat had to say...

Cue Ilya!


Whats that grandchild? You want the story of Kardas' fall again little one? Very well. I'll continue where I left off- Kalev and Hargulka, Varnhold's greatest foes.

Varn cleared his throat and puts on his best "Storytime" voice-

"They fell into the now-legendary conjured pit as enemies on opposite sides of a war- they emerged brothers in arms, Troll and Half-Orc, The Scourge of Kardas..."

"The Monsters Rise"- Coming soon to a Bardic Performance near YOU!


Malthir Al Dagon wrote:

Varn, we have enjoyed meeting you. We have fought together, bled together, and seen hardship together.
I see this more than just an alliance Lord Varn. I dare say that maybe this could be a friendship as well?
I hope that we can visit your lands after the current crisis is over. Maybe we can visit you kingdom when te trade route is properly opened.
I do have one thing for you though, a gift.
This shield was crafted by my own hand, made of darkwood, and bound in steel with the crest of Kardas. I hope that you will enjoy not only its craftsmenship, but also its function. This is an instrument for defense.

I thought we were all already friends here. Varn says with a playful smirk, graciously accepting Malthir's gift without commenting on his thinly-veiled hint. I would be delighted to receive your delegation at some time in the future, or indeed any of your Statkari; and i'll have a gift made for and sent to you in turn, my fellow Baron.

Varn pauses before retiring to give one last piece of advice.

Ware the Surtovans, remember Malthir. I do not envy your situation. they are not to be trifled with and they will be able to enforce their threats unless the political mess that is Brevoy explodes into fully fledged war very soon.


Servants scurry about the castle in preparation for the evenings dinner. Maegar Varn is amenable to the terms of the trade route and is content with the loose plan you have agreed upon to link the two kingdoms by a trade road.

Varn introduces himself to Ricter with his full title, including Swordlord, but doesn't make any inquiries of the Hellknight and is content to keep conversation light.

When he is excused, Varn shakes everyone's hand and declares his intention to end his tour of Kardas early, in light of both recent events and some trouble in his own kingdom; nothing worth mentioning at the dinner table but he may be needed back in Varnhold. He thanks you all for the hospitality of Kardas and hopes the trip will put the foundations of a strong alliance in place.


Conversation seems to have died off so i'll assume some further small talk.

You sit and chat around the fire for a while longer, then eventually set a watch pattern and finally rest after the fierce battle you endured.

1d100 ⇒ 16 So close!

1d100 ⇒ 88

1d100 ⇒ 93

1d100 ⇒ 25

1d100 ⇒ 26

Travelling through the Kamelands, night is beginning to fall as you crest another hill and can see the city of kardas before you, the castle jutting out above the other buildings like a beacon of civilisation- a symbol to all you have accomplished these past few years.


Malthir Al Dagon wrote:

What about you Varn, what do you believe in? Conquest and glory are for the young, what legacy do you hope to create?

With a twinkle in his eye, Varn says-

I'm not too old for glory yet, Malthir he laughs and winks. I've had to wait most of my life for an opportunity like this to come around and I plan on being around for a long time. I want to create a strong nation that stands the test of time and build my own legacy. A little vainglorious perhaps, but we are who we are.


How unfortunate. I am sure the monument can be rebuilt...

Varn looks pleased to be asked about his own experiences.

The centaurs give the Nomen Heights its name- they live in a single tribe known as the Nomen. Thousands of years ago, they used to belong to a massive tribe known as the Rashalkas; which means "Thundering Hooves" in Sylvan. The Rashalkas once roamed the northern Casmar steppes by the tens of thousands and the Nomen were an off-shoot of this massive horde.

Pausing to eat for a moment, Varn continues the history lesson.

The Nomen originally settled in the heart of what we now call Rostland; southern Brevoy. Taldor’s expansion into the Stolen Lands led to much warfare between the Nomen and Humanity, and eventually they were driven back into the Stolen Lands at the very fringe of their formerly vast territory, their tribe almost decimated. One centaur warrior is worth at least two or three Taldan soldiers, but numbers and organisation won out.

Knowledge Nature DC25:

You can confirm that Varn's telling the current history of the Nomen tribe back to their conflict with the Taldan Army of Exploration.

Now, the Nomen only exist in my section of the Stolen Lands. All centaurs tend to be an old race- they are struggling to accept and adapt to the modern world- the majority of centaurs still live in tribes roaming vast plains or the fringes of eldritch forests. They tend to enjoy their privacy and are territorial, making peaceful contact difficult. We found this when expanding our territory.

His eyes distant, the middle-aged Swordlord remembers the details.

Lord Dalgum was commanding twenty men exploring to the south of Varnhold. A Nomen centaur warband numbers a dozen warriors- all females. The warband charged at him and his men in a show of strength; which Lord Dalgum interpreted badly. The skirmish that followed left Dalgum victorious, but with only two men left and Dalgum himself badly wounded. Diplomacy was difficult after that incident- the Nomens are not a friendly tribe. Generations of conflict with humanity have left them with an ill opinion of "two-leggers". In the end, I approached their tribe alone, was escorted to their Matriarch and negotiated peace- we would not expand into their territory and they would not raid us or attack our colony.

Their leader is Aecora Silverfire, a fierce an noble priestess to their deity- "Mother Moon". I could tell from the symbol on her shield that it was an interpretation of the goddess Desna and with this information and a great deal of careful talking, I was able to win her trust and the truce. The tribe numbers around three hundred centaurs and thus is a formidable fighting force- i'd rather be their friend than their enemy.

Remembering that he had mentioned a Matriarch, Varn adds one more detail.

There are very few males in the tribe and they are encouraged to hunt and work rather than be warriors- as there are so few of them the tribe could be destroyed if it lost many more males.


Fenna Thistleswade wrote:


"Perhaps Surtova does intend to bolster his own power at the expense of the Swordlords through his demands, though this combined with the blatant attacks on we Guardians seems more likely to push us towards an alliance with his enemies."

You were attacked by agents of Surtova? Hmph. Perhaps it was personal- i've had no trouble from them yet. Varn muses, sounding a little hurt that his kingdom was not also attacked. In any case, Surtova already believes there is a strong alliance between the three remaining expeditions and the Swordlords. The fourth expedition was a failure, killed to a man, so said Stanislaw at any rate.


Malthir wrote:


The funds given by Brevoy were those to foster trade and friendship between the two kingdoms and bring about a stable southern border. I believe that we have held up our end of the bargain to date.

Not exactly correct, Malthir. The charters did indeed claim on his authority, but they were granted by the Swordlords of Restov- one of Surotva's least favourite subjects and from what Casimir's uncle Stanislaw tells me, the chief protagonists in the coming civil war for the revolutionaries. The mayor is legally able to make certain declarations and spend certain resources in the name of Surtova, although its usually considered polite to inform the crown... We have been used in a clever move to keep Restov's southern border secure, allowing them to wage a war without fear of sudden attack from the River Kingdoms- an excellent political gambit I must say.

In fact, Surtova was not told of any such arrangement made with regards to an expedition to the south for a couple of years. He had assumed that we were all independent adventuring companies- and know he knows different he is attempting to gain further funds for his side and potentially weaken the aid we could give the Swordlords in the process. Not a bad move. Both sides are cunning.


Casimir wrote:


Once Varn rejoins, Casimir moves beside him.
"You mentioned a visit from my uncle. When did you see him last? It has been many months since he came this way, and I am most eager to hear news of him."

A few weeks ago. I'm glad you brought it up again actually Casimir, I forgot to mention the news he gave me and asked to give to you once I told him i'd had correspondence from Kardas. Forgive my tardiness in telling you. Hes working for House Orlovsky as a saboteur, doing rather well for himself actually.

If you recall, Ilya sent out letters to the nearby factions quite some time ago.

He warned me that civil war is coming in Brevoy- less than a year now he thinks. He also warned me that Surtova is planning to demand tribute soon from both of our realms as well as from Drelev in the west- within the next few months. A request from Surtova is a request from Brevoy itself, and that puts us in a tricky situation. To refuse risks invasion or subjugation... Brevoy is still a mighty military force, even in the prelude to civil war. But I am not planning to pay- i'll not gamble the future of my kingdom by sending what little resources I have north. I'd rather take the chance that the Swordlords would resist any army sent this way, or that the war will be too pressing to send forces here. Surtova just wants to flex its muscles for some easy coin. I hope. Your kingdom's economy seems to be thriving, so perhaps its better if you pay; access to Kardas is easier than access to Varnhold. You won't stand a chance against a Brevic legion.


Fenna Thistleswade wrote:

"I am clearly changed by the experience, but I cannot explain in what way, I feel..." she holds her hands open in front of her, "like myself. I still care deeply for those things I cared for before this happened, though perhaps a certain urgency to those feelings has been removed."

I see... Thankyou for sharing that with me Fenna.

Varn's Comments about Hellknights, if asked-:

In response to Malthir and Kalev, Varn replies, with respect inherent to his voice-

I wouldn't think of the Hellknights as a religious order. To them, religion tends to be secondary to upholding the law. You do find Paladins among their ranks, even some Iomedeans, but mostly they tend towards neutrality between Good and Evil. There are those who are devout diabolists, but they are not the majority of the organisation. They respect legitimate authority and any who has achieved the rank of a full Hellknight is going to be an exceptional warrior; if he is evil he will be strong enough to detect as such to the right magics. In addition, Hellknights also differ based on their order. Did Vaysh say which order he hailed from? They are an elite military organisation. What they would want so far into the River Kingdoms, I am not able to fathom.


One of the bandits looks in good enough shape to have a Speak with Dead cast upon him. You don't find any other belongings that might identify the bandits on them. You personally (Malthir) don't know nayone who could train or would have any interest in training the cub. Varn replies-

Oh, it would see use under Lord Dalgum, mark my words. Such a prized beast would be a mighty force in itself.


1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

The cub could be worth around three thousand gold to a dedicated beast trainer if it was nursed back to health. My Lord Dalgum would be interested in purchasing such a beast, if it pleases you.


Kip Bendybrook wrote:

Kip lets out a low whistle as he surveys the scene of carnage before him. I guess that answers why the Owlbear killed that man...

Kip eyes up the cub, and a part of him sincerely regrets his part in killing the things apparent father. He reaches into his pack and produces the balance of his rations, throwing them within reach of the cub, before crouching down and watching to see if it will eat the offered food.

Kip's gaze hasn't left the owlbear cub.

Kip looks back to the cub, and calls out to it in a low pleasant tone, You were just pawns in someone else's sick game weren't you? You never meant anyone any harm did you? No you didn't... oh no you didn't...

The Owlbear hoots pitifully as it eagerly eats the food offered by Kip and wails softly in response to his cooing.

Varn offers a suggestion to one of Kip's lines of inquiry.

Perhaps they came here seeking to enslave one Owlbear, but the second returned from a hunt. The fight may have provided the male enough willpower to break free after his mate was attacked. This does not however, explain its strange journey all the way to Swordhaven to attack your city.

You think its unlikely these men were from the tavern in Mivon. Their gear is far too valuable for the brigands there.


Malthir Al Dagon wrote:


So Varn, I was a little surprised to be honest that you would be willing to endanger you life for the sake of our trade alliance. Your priest is one of Gorum who delights in battle, no matter who wins. To have died here, in a cave in our part of the GreenBelt showed me more of your character than 20 conversations.
I owe you a debt, one I don't take lightly. If there is ever a day that you need Kardas' help to defend your people you have my word that we will come and lend what aid we can. The trade route will be open and help to make both of our kingdoms more prosperous, but this...dare I say friendship...matters more. What say you Varn?

It is not just a trade alliance I seek, but a genuine alliance with Kardas. Inevitably our borders were going to meet and when they did I wanted it to be in the name of trade and friendship, not warfare and hardship. These 'Stolen Lands' are a hard enough place to carve out a living without worrying about our closest neighbours. I came today to show you the seriousness of my commitment to lasting peace and an alliance- let the rest of the River Kingdoms squabble and fight, but between our two fledgeling nations let there be only peace and prosperity. I also came because this was a dangerous beast- and only by continually testing oneself's limits can one continue to grow. I thank you for allowing me to accompany you today; and be assured that I will likely take you up on the debt you owe me someday- but only if I am in dire need. Your eastern border can be considered secure; and my western border too.

Walking down a slope to the east, you enter a large chamber which appears to contain the next of the Owlbear. The ceiling of this huge cavern arches thirty feet into the air. A murky pool of water stands in the western portion of the cavern in front of a narrow passage, little more than a crack, that opens in the wall. Wider, sloping tunnels lead out of the cave to the northeast. A jumble of bones, rocks, fur, and feathers sits piled against the southern wall.

So, large pool of drinking water that likely serviced much of the cave, Owlbear nest, an exit over the water that likely leads towards the cave the shambling mound came out of, and an exit north-east (as well as the exit west you came in by). And a gigantic Owlbear nest.


Varn's happy. For spell duration purposes, lets say two minutes passes healing, talking and preparing.


Well, it was a fine hunt. A little lethal for my usual tastes but i've had similar struggles in Varnhold. I am glad Swordhaven has been avenged and that I was here to help you do it. Kalev, that was most impressive indeed. Lord Dalgum will wish he had been here to witness that feat. But we should press on- someone put this barding on the beast and we must ascertain who.


Getting up to his feet groggily, Varn simply tries to comprehend the avatar of destruction before him, not having any method to deal with the swarm.


Tired and still ill from the poisonous tentacle touch of the violet fungus, Kalev sags, his initial strike looking sure to simply glance from the Owlbear's tough skin and leather barding. At just the right moment, Casimir's magic inspires Kalev to greater efforts and with a grunt of magically aided exertion, Cleft slashes through the Owlbear's torso. Blood spills forth but the wound seems to only have earnt Kalev the Owlbear's anger... Kalev swings once more a few seconds later ashe spots another opening in the grapple, but the blow lacks the necessary force to pierce the creature's hide.

Maegar moves smoothly across the cave in his mithril breastplate, moving to -A, 9. Lining up his strike carefully, he dives in underneath the Owlbear's outstretched arms and attempts to disembowel the monster. His blade lances swiftly across the beast's stomach in a fine display of swordsmanship and its guts begin to protrude from the wound. The Owlbear continues to hoot and roar in pain.

Vital Strike-

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29 Hit/Crit Threat
2d8 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 6 = 11

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26 Crit confirmed
1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Malthir then adds his sword to the engagement, ignoring the claws holding him and slashing into the beast's shoulder with a well placed sword stroke.

Casimir and Fenna are up. I'll get another post for Ricter up this evening too.


Will update Varn after Kalev posts as his action might be different depending on it.


1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

With swift and precise strikes that are elegant even for a Swordlord, Varn cuts Kalev free of the webbing and steps out of the swarm to the south.

Quite a monster hunt this is becoming... he mutters.


Slow posting is ok, 24 hour rule will apply as always. I am also struggling to post as the internet in my accomodation is dire.

Kalev manages to slash Cleft through the mound, wounding it further. He swings once more and Cleft gets momentarily stuck in the shambler. Baron Varn takes this opportunity to deftly deliver a vertical slash through the plant creature which finally finishes it off. The mass of plants and vegetation collapses, having been hacked mostly apart by sharp blades; and the centipede swarm that was using it as a host surges up from the corpse to attack.

The swarm occupies the same square as the mound did. Shame it never got to attack anyone grabbed while they were being constricted, excellent use of grease.

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

I'll let Malthir re-post his action as its now redundant.


Slowed by the webbing entangling him and weakened by the centipedes poison, Kalev's strike lacks it usual strength and like Malthir's sword before it, thuds into the mass of vegetation without significantly harming it.

Maegar attempts to get close enough to the mound to attack it, weaving between Malthir and Kalev and tumbling into position to prevent an attack from the mound on approach. Striking moments after Kalev, the swordlord curses in dissatisfaction as his blade also fails to harm the plant. Malthir then launches his attack, his blade cleaving deeply into one of the shambling mound's limbs and actually harming it.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 Acro

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22 Attack (miss)

Fenna's up.


It takes both strikes, but Kalev destroys the fungus with Cleft.

I'll 5 foot step you forward.

Maegar takes a step forward, remaining behind Malthir as ordered.

Malthir and Fenna are up.


Varn takes a step back to move beside Casimir behind him. Responding to Malthir in a calm tone, he says-

Understood. Oh, well struck Kalev...

Attacking the fungus with his bow, Varn's hands are a motion of efficiency as he quickly nocks and fires two arrows; the first slamming into the previously unwounded fungus and the second narrowly missing.

Varn's Attacks-

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7


Maegar Varn follows Kalev into the tunnel at -A/-4 with his everburning torch tucked into his belt and a bow strung. The tunnel now well illuminated with all the fungi in normal light, he takes a shot at the southernmost plant, wounding it with a well placed shot.

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Malthir and Fenna are up. I don't believe Fenna has an action declared this round, possibly Shield Other on Malthir?


Maegar Varn pulls an everburning torch from his backpack, holding it in his right hand with his Aldori sword in his left. He also shifts to A, -10. The Owlbear does not appear in anyone's field of vision.

This provides clear vision 15 feet into the cave and the fungi are in dim light for everyone now (20% miss chance).


Ok guys, please track your own spell durations. We will have a mininum of four rounds before the entangle is down and i'm assuming no one is venturing into the cave before that. Please highlight anything you wish to do in these four rounds or declare your actions and then we'll pick up from Round 7. Casimir I assume your dropping bardic performance for these four rounds of preparation? For what its worth Maegar Varn will wait patiently (no buffs to apply) and smile in thanks to Fenna for the protective spell.


Can everyone else please roll initiative. We'll be tracking in rounds now.

Maegar- 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Round 1-

Maegar hefts his sword and readies himself against any attack coming out of the cave.


Varn offers his council once more.

Using the shriekers to pull it into an ambush is a cunning strategy, Casimir. Perhaps if you were to cast your spells and make your preparations in the tunnel and then alert the Owlbear via the shriekers it would come to the large cave Kip and Kalev were in. I find it unlikely that it would venture out of its lair based on the alarm of these shriekers inside.


Kip Bendybrook wrote:
Kip looks to Kalev and the others, Are we sure it is in there? Might there be another entrance?

I was thinking along similar lines myself actually Kip, especially as you seem to be concerned that it might be a trap. I would advise doing a circuit of the tor and keeping an eye peeled for alternative entrances.


Malthir Al Dagon wrote:

One minor retcon, just before we leave...in private with Varn.

You have honored Kardas and the Statkari by agreeing to help us, it will not be forgotten Baron. There is one thing though, when the fighting starts I want your word that you will follow our lead and our orders. You are a guest of Kardas and it would be very poor form if you were to die under our protection. If you can't agree to this, I can not allow you to accompany us.

Retcon-

Maegar's eyebrows are raised in amusement before he smiles.

I had hoped to make it clear by holding the banner of Kardas that I am under your command for this hunt, Lord al'Dagon. I of course, agree to your terms. I do hope that my opinion, with the weight of many years behind it, will be listened to in times of counsel though.


6th Calistria.

You ready yourselves for your retaliation, preparing purchases, spells and weapons. The mood in the Castle is grim and sombre, extending even to the servants who serve you a fine breakfast of eggs and sausages. Swordhaven has been wounded and the pain reverberates through the city. Varn has saddled a fine warhorse, strapped his sword sheath to his belt and is now wearing an ornate mithril breastplate with the standard of House Varn emblazoned upon it in the form of a metal badge. He also has a finely crafted darkwood longbow over his shoulder- and is carrying a banner emblazoned with the flag of Kardas at the end of a large pole.

Today, I ride under the banner of Kardas; as do we all the Baron intones, his statement met with nodding approval from the other Statkari and the various folk gathering in the castle courtyard to see you off. Jhod has arrived from Vierkirche and takes a moment to bless your hunt, as does Lord Dalgum. There are no cheers this day as you ride through and out of Swordhaven- but people stop to talk quietly between one another as you ride out. You do get the impression your quick response is being appreciated and a few passers by quietly thank you and wish you Deadeye's blessing in hunting the beast.

Kalev takes the lead, tracking the Owlbear at full speed. This is not a difficult task for him- the beast's massive pawprints lead south and east from Swordhaven and it leaves a trail of devastation in its wake through the Kamelands- uprooted trees, trampled brush and churned earth. You cross the Gurdin river at the ford where three of the Guardians faced off a six headed Hyrda, but apparently the beast has moved on or is not hungry today. Kalev leads you on through the hills and you are a couple of miles from the Little Sellen River when night falls fully. Kalev is still able to track in the dark without difficulty.

Camp for the night or press on, Guardians? Didn't want to assume.

DM Only:

1d100 ⇒ 50

1d100 ⇒ 36

1d100 ⇒ 84

1d100 ⇒ 70


Malthir:

You do get the impression that Varn is genuinely upset that this happened and is sympathetic. At the same time its clear he wants to use the situation to improve relations between the two of you though.

I will ride out with you myself- my men will be of no more use than your own militia against such a powerful beast. I'll put them and my lords Dalgum and Bellamin under the supervision of General Garess. I can't imagine such a beast leaves a difficult track to follow, but i'm sure Kalev's tracking skills will help us. Varn puts a hand on Malthir's shoulder. You have made a good decision to act so swiftly lad the older man says encouragingly, before retiring for the evening in Castle Swordhaven, perhaps sensing that now may not be the best time for the Statkari to worry about a visitor.


I am truly sorry, Statkari... Varn says mournfully. I would humbly advise riding out to destroy this beast at first light- and by Gorum's blade I will be riding out alongside you. My men can assist your Warden here in the capital. What say you, Malthir? As tragic as this circumstance is, allow me to use it to prove my good will beyond a doubt.


I must insist Baron Malthir... If your grand city of Swordhaven is under attack then we are honour bound to accompany you and do what we can to help. It is the least we can do to show our goodwill and thank you for your hospitality. Varn insists, barking orders at Dalgum to make haste.

Yeah we'll assume Ilya stays in Vierkirche with Kressle as a rearguard in case its next on the list.


Fenna Thistleswade wrote:

"I fear our tour may need to be continued later, I am sure you understand this requires our immediate attention." Fenna says to the guests from Varnhold, hints of both apology and urgency tingeing her voice.

As Varn and his men are inside a small room in the Cathedral praying to Gorum, they wouldn't have heard this. I'll assume you tell Varn the tour may have to be cut short...

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Has something happened, Councilor? Varn asks, his voice expressing genuine concern. Will you require our aid? What would you like our band to do now?

Edit: I specified in a long post that got eaten that Varn and his men were paying their respect to Gorum but I forgot to include that detail when I had to re-write it.


A35.


Casimir wrote:

Casimir happily entertains on the way back, mixing the stories of the Guardians various deeds with the tales about Torag and Cayden Cailean that he learned recently.

Perform (oratory) 1d20+6+1

There is plenty of room for retcon and other activities if you wish so post up if you want to include anything!

Casimir's tales are amusing and help to ease the awkwardness of the ride back to Swordhaven. A roar of approval reverberates through Varn's retinue as they see the stalls, and the march slows to a crawl as various coin is spent. You all notice that even the soldiers among the retinue seem to have an abundance of gold coin, some even spending platinum. Silver coins are thrown at street performers wantonly and the smile on Varn's face suggests he approves of the whole affair. You get to the castle by early evening and various introductions are made. Varn is the epitome of a gracious guest, complimenting the castle and the food and smiling all the while. The conversation with him at dinner is mostly small talk, but he does at one point quietly address Malthir-

I would like to discuss the possibility of a trade route between our kingdoms, Malthir. I could have a road leading from Varnhold to the border of the Greenbelt ready in six months or less, and surely both our kingdoms would prosper.


Malthir Al Dagon wrote:

I understand, Kardas is in the middle of a conflict with a tribe of Trolls so we don't have the time to show you as much as we would like.

I would like to show you SwordHaven as well as our new Cathedral at Vierkirche.
Then I have an interesting proposal for you.
Would you, your two lords and a few other key retainers be interested in joining a small group of the Statkari for an Owlbear hunt? We seem to have found a rather large specimen in the south that we need to take care of. It could be dangerous, but something you might find as an interestign diversion.
I hope the trip will be conducted in about a week.

Maegar nods and smiles as Malthir speaks, hands firmly clasped behind his back and listening intently.

It all sounds satisfactory Malthir. I speculate that myself and Lord Dalgum would be willing to partake in a hunt for this beast you mentioned, but Lord Bellamin and my other men would rather enjoy the sights of Swordhaven, I daresay. Come, let us dine as fellow Barons- have you heard much from Brevoy and the Swordlords? It seems they are mostly leaving us to our own devices while the noble houses scheme and plot...

Casimir wrote:


Casimir bows lightly as he is introduced.

"Always an honor to be in the presence of a swordsman of your caliber, Lord Varn. It just so happens that I am myself a graduate of the Restov dueling school where you served as an instructor. I recall hearing many of your duels retold in the hallways."

Maegar looks pleased at the compliment and laughs merrily.

Well, i'm not half the swordsman I was a few years ago... I'm getting a little slow in middle age despite a daily regimen. Yes I remember you Casimir; you always had more than just a spark of potential about you; although my fellow instructors said you needed to achieve further focus and not want to dabble in so many specialities if you ever hoped to become a Swordlord. Your uncle disagrees of course; oh, please thank him for the advice he gave me a few months ago when he next passes through by the way; his counsel was sound as always. Varn finishes with a cryptic smile.


Some titles were included in the letter sent to Ilya, but he seems to accept Baron with no fuss.

With a click of his fingers, Varn summons his retainers. They swiftly begin to unpack folding chairs and tables and unpack pre-prepared food. The tables look large enough to seat 6 or so to a table and each set of chairs on the east-facing side are marked 'Kardas', while the west facing side chairs are all marked 'Varn'.

So, what do you have planned to show us then? We will need to leave Kardas in about two weeks I am afraid- Dalgum has received reports that an Orc tribe we crushed is stirring once more with Ogres in support.


Well spoken, sir! Maegar says approvingly, if not a little patronisingly; clapping Malthir firmly on the shoulder. Friendship and peace- lofty goals indeed. Let us hope that in generations to come, today will be remembered as the day that the glorious realms of Kardas and Varnhold began a concord based on mutual respect and approbation.

Gesturing first to the massive half-orc on his left and then to the noble to his right, Varn continues.

I am delighted to finally make your acquaintance good sirs; please allow me to introduce my closest confidantes- Lord Dalgum, my spiritual advisor, master of arms and high priest of Varnhold. Lord Bellamin is our magister and my eyes and ears in Varnhold. Oh, here are their holy symbols and spell components he says in an off-hand manner as a servant brings a sack over to Ilya.- once catalogued I would appreciate it if they could be returned promptly. Even for a large group, the Stolen Lands are a dangerous place as I am sure you have discovered yourselves. If it pleases you, Baron Dagon- my servants have prepared a magnificent lunch; shall we dine and get to know each other while we discuss this visit? We brought some of the silver eels we catch locally in Varn; they are simply the finest fare I have yet found south of Brevoy!

Tanners gone AWOL so perhaps the rest of you can inspect the holy symbols etc.- knowledge religion will determine the deity (DC10).


Sorry the delay is mine- been super busy this week. Off to a friends party tonight but wanted to squeeze an update in first.

A couple of days after the wedding you proceed to the eastern border of the Greenbelt- the full group of Guardians as well as various guards and wardens, Akiros and Kesten. There waiting for you as promised, are just under twenty armed individuals with ten retainers. The armed individuals have a hard look about them, with battle worn equipment and a variety of weaponry on each man; clearly professional mercenaries. A towering half-orc in full plate mail barks orders as you approach and they form up into two columns of men, each facing one another and raising their blades in a salute. Strolling calmly underneath the raised weapons of his honour guard, Maegar Varn walks towards you, the massive half-orc on one side of him and what appears to be a leading noble on the other, talking quietly with Varn.

Maegar Varn is a man of average height, weight and build, but Casimir recalls he was one of the most dangerous duelists in Restov, his unassuming appearance a careful strategy to put opponents off-guard. He is not young, a little older than Jhod in fact and a little into middle age. He is dressed in fine red robes and although its possible hes wearing light armour underneath them, it is well-concealed if so. He walks with an easy grace that radiates confidence, one hand on his sheathed Aldori sword as he bows deeply to your group, smiling and with the other hand emphasising his bow. He waits for you to make your approach.

4th Calistria, Midday.