Introduction Kathane 1

LOCATION: Endrunel Hundred, Kingdom of KaldorHOLDER: Sir Korus of Ynel, BailiffSTATUS: Seat of Conwan Elendsa, Sheriff of

SemethPOPULATION: 132 Villagers, 28 Manor

INTRODUCTIONKathane is the first or last stop between Trobridge

and Kaldor.  The salt route runs right through the center of town, and remote Kathane boasts a fairly high level of luxury and wealth, and military power as it is often used as a garrison for the Chelmarch army.  The village also has some other conventions not normally found in a rural village:  During the caravan season, the manor’s economy gets a huge boost from the mercantylers and guards passing along the Salt Route.  Most travelers will stay the night in Kathane as they can get an early start during daylight to the west, or are in a festive mood having survived the trip through hostile lands.  Some have come to know Kathane as “little Trobridge”.  Most are happy to sell goods in Kathane to save on bonding and hawking fees but they know they will find richer folk in Tashal and better goods for trade.  Some merchants will travel to Kathane from Tashal as well.

A high number of merchants manage to make a good living in Kathane due to the caravans and trading.  Indeed many of the villagers are shrewd traders, supplementing their own income when caravans come in.  Though the merchants obviously do what they can to stop such business with peasants, it is often hard to catch and few go far out of their way to press the matter; often they are too busy making money themselves.

The lands of Kathane are quite fertile and it is a very productive village, trading aside.  It is a relatively new village, having been started in 670TR after the destruction of nearby Hargeth village a century earlier. Many of the villagers have moved to Kathane within the last two or three generations.  Maintenance of land is always an important activity for the growing

CHELMARCH ARMYKorus is not only bailiff for Kathane, but is also the

Field Commander for the Chelmarch Army, a standing army of 4 companies:  two medium foot, one light foot, and one archer, totaling 80 men.  This number is the permanent corps of the army, but will often increase to include one company of medium horse, and another company worth of mixed soldiers (dispersed amongst the already established companies) during the fuedal levy.  Most of the corps is permanently employed, but some are constantly changing soldiers who fulfill their military requirements during other times of the year.

The Chelmarch army is headquartered both in Tashal and Kathane.  Being as the King is warden of the army, the funding comes directly from the crown, though often supplies are simply bought from Kathane itself and the difference goes into Korus (and Conwan’s) purse.  During Spring and Summer months, the majority of the army is deployed along the Salt Route to deal with the Kath and ensure safe passage for the caravans.  Usually Korus will keep the company of light foot in Kathane when the caravans pass through to maintain order and drive off any Kath that may attack.  During Winter and Autumn, the army will usually stay within Kathane or Tashal, restricting their activities to short patrols.  Where they stay is often a matter of Korus’s whim, but he often prefers to keep most of them in Tashal to maintain Kathane’s resources, and peace.  While in Kathane the soldiers use the abandoned cottages, usually fitting 5 to 10 in each as possible, for sleeping quarters and muster at the manor gate when summoned.

Korus does not slack in his duties to the army, but does not ride with them as often as he used to.  Over the last several years, Korus has taken to develop Kathane, and fatten his purse, as his main priority.  He tries to ride with them at least once every year, but usually leaves Sir Lakern Tarabon, Yael’s younger brother to lead patrols.  Some say it is Korus’s attempt to assuage his guilt at neglecting his duties as field commander, but he has used a goodly amount of his personal coin to ensure that the army is well equipped and many of the soldiers have armor and weapons of excellent quality.  Whether or not the soldiers believe its a matter of guilt, none complain about their gear.

Kathane also has a number of yeomen and men-at-arms independent of the army, but many of these yeomen serve their time with the Chelmarch.  This arrangement is popular as it keeps most fairly close to their families, and gives them added motivation in defending their homes.

Sir Korus of Ynel holds Kathane as a bailiff for Conwan Elendsa and the two are good friends.  Korus served Conwan’s father, Brandis, loyally for years and Conwan after him as the captain of the Querina guard.  He was rewarded in 710 TR by being granted Kathane manor.  Though Korus is getting on in years at 48, he is a hale and accomplished warrior and is known as being as vicious on the field as on the bargaining table.

Korus is considered by most as a fair and honorable lord, but there is a small amount of grumbling that he is too lenient on visiting caravans.  He is concerned greatly with the economic development of Kathane and is himself becoming quite wealthy.  He is sure to treat caravan leaders well, and often lets some merchants sleep in the manor free of charge.

Korus often shares the wealth with numerous village parties and from time to time, excusing the taxes for

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Kathane 2 Introduction

some unfree tenants with lotteries, adding to his popularity.  Korus is an honorable and honest man, loyal to Conwan and the king and is prompt with his payments which he pays ungrudgingly.  He is very happy with his current situation, even though Conwan has upped his portion.

In 716 TR a bad case of fever spread through the village from a passing caravan, affecting nearly everyone and killing quite a few leaving Kathane with a large labor shortage for the work Korus demands.  This has left him with a large demesne and a high number of free farmers holding land.  This also brings up the number of unemployed folk from Tashal who hire on for harvest and other fief work.  This situation, while not the best for the lord himself, has kept the poorer cottars in work with full bellies.

Korus is always looking for people to enter into tenant contracts and often offers incentives but few of the freemen who come for seasonal work accept, being loathe to give up their status.  Korus makes their stay uncomfortable, giving them no place to stay save the small worker camps that form north of town in hopes to make them realize how much better it would be for them to have a home.  To this end, and for Korus’s love of

order, he is very strict about tenants keeping their cottages in good repair.

In recent years, Korus has used some of his wealth to improve his house and holdings.  He hired Takon the weapon smith in 714 TR for himself and the upkeep of his soldiers, and his hall is well decorated with rich tapestries.  He often holds lavish parties well attended by the nobility of Tashal and the surrounding lands.  Korus’s stables are well stocked and kept.

In 718 TR, Korus organized the “Salt Route” tourney to coincide with the arrival of the major caravans.  He called in a favor and Conwan attended, bringing in a large number of other nobles and courtiers.  The tournament lasted for three days and many of the caravans stayed for the event and trading.  Kathane was filled to the brim with silver with Conwan getting no small amount himself.  Unfortunately in 719 TR bad weather delayed both the caravans and the nobility and the tourney was a disaster.  Few competitors showed, and Korus came in last in a poor showing.  Korus is waiting anxiously for this year’s  tourney and may not hold another if this year’s tourney is as dismal a failure as last year’s.

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Common Map Kathane 3

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Kathane 4 Village

KATHANE VILLAGE( ) Denotes age [ ] Denotes entry number

  (LF)= Light Foot (MF)=Medium Foot(LH)= Light Horse (MH)=Medium Horse

1. KATHANE MANORSee Manor map and write up.

2. MILLER (Unger Gyst, 36, male)Size: 5 Quality: ** Prices: high

Unger lives here with his wife Thene(33) and daughter Marriana(16). Unger also employs two apprentices, Masl(17) and Geon(15), both cousins

from other villages.  Unger is a devout Peonian but he is often scorned for his high prices while at the same time espousing praise to Peoni.  Brother Asler[31] often tries to warn Unger on the sins of excess, bringing no small amount of conflict between the two.  He takes 1/11 of the flour.

Marriana wishes to be betrothed to Garted[20] and is pregnant, but only she and Garted know this.  Unger does not approve of the match as Garted’s father often sides with Brother Asler.  Marriana wishes to get married quickly before her pregnancy is discovered.  She often weeps to herself, pleading with her father for his permission.

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Village Kathane 5

The mill is water powered.  The previous master paid to have Miller’s Stream dug out and Unger spends a lot of time making sure the way is clear.  The pond is there to help stop flotsam that might damage the wheel.

3. THE LAST ALE INN (Yled Moskin, 42, male)Size: 5 Quality: **** Prices: high/avgYled Moskin, his wife Tholana(40), son Carod(22), son Birtch(20), and daughter Thia(17).

Prices are high when a caravan is in the manor, average otherwise.

The name derives from being the starting point for the return caravan trip.  Some speculate it was named for the more deadly aspects of caravanning to match with Yled’s often macabre humor.  Tholana brews an excellent ale and a hearty stew.  All three children work and live in the inn, along with Carod’s wife Ayane(18) and their son Forwis(4).

Yled has recently converted to Halea from Peoni and is a devout  worshipper at the new shrine.  Tholana and the rest of the family are devout Peonians and this has caused no small amount of familial discord. Rodirk(24) is the ostler, along with his apprentice Chea(15) who both live in the stable.  Rodirk holds a small share in the inn and is well known for  his veterinary skills, and during the off caravan season he keeps busy caring for village livestock.

The village well is just to the south.  The open area in front of the inn is where caravans will sometimes park, but when crowded some will stop outside of the village or camp near the manor.

See map of Inn.

4. LEATHERWORKER (Ereek of Ganlost, 24, male)

Size: 6 Quality: *** Prices: averageEreek, his wife Ailisa(22), son Burd(7), apprentices Buss(15) and Hratha(14).

Ereek makes most of the tack for the ostlers and crafts good quality leather armor he sells to caravan guards.

5. METALSMITH (Ghadin the Redcap, 30, male)Size: 3 Quality: ** Prices: averageGhadin, his wife Fiera(28), son Collen(13), apprentice Radimiar(17).

He makes mostly simple tools, but makes a substantial bit of coin making horseshoes and wheel rims for the caravans.  His name derives from his bright red hair.  Collen is apprenticed to the

miller[2], but still lives at home.  Radimiar is also part of the militia.

6. CLOTHIER (Averd of Jedes, 38, male)Size: 4 Quality: * to **** Prices: averageAverd and his daughter Fandola(17).

Averd is a drunkard and his daughter often keeps him sober when work needs be done, accounting for varying levels of quality in goods.  Averd lost his wife Sheela to fever in 716 TR and that is when he took to drinking.

Fandola is considered the most beautiful girl in the village and has a number of young men trying to win her hand.  The lord’s daughter Eayin despises her for her looks and the attention the men folk give her and Eayin causes her as much subtle distress as she can.  Woe to Fandola if Balvin should ever turn an eye to her.  A distinct possibility as the lord and family are their main customers.

7. CHARCOALER (Chan Tyrst, 21, male)Size: 2 Quality: *** Prices: averageChan, his daughter Een(1), apprentice Clasp(16,male)

His wife Een died in childbirth last year and his parents both died from the fever in 716 TR.  He has become a bit taciturn since but Chan is a loving father to his daughter Een.

8. MERCANTYLER (Vead of Torn, 33, male)Size: 7 Quality: **** Prices: averageVead, his wife Reanne(35), and two sons Urnd(15) and Thind(13).

Vead runs a successful mercantylers shop, making a great profit during caravan season.  His shop is of average size, but his inventory is impressive and he has earned the nickname “Squeeze”.  Not only for his ability to squeeze all his impressive wears into a too small space, but for his ability to “squeeze a booger from the king’s nose”, by being a penny pincher.

Urnd and Thind spend much of their time fishing in the nearby stream south of Kathane.  Both are considered lazy and brattish children.

9. VILLEIN (Kler of Kathane, 37, male)Klear, wife Deirdan(36), son Kler(20), daughter Meesha(18).

Kler is well known for his fine tobacco and makes a fair coin from it.  One of the oldest tenant family in Kathane, his father having been one of the original inhabitants.  Meesha is betrothed to Diggum[1], one of the soldiers in the manor.

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Kathane 6 Village

10. YEOMAN (LB) (Shadin of Strand, 39, male)Shadin, wife Butter(35), son Tosem(20).

Both Shadin and Tosem(LF) are yeomen.  Tosem is very seriously pursuing Fandola[6] and is truly in love with her. Shadin is getting to old for campaigning, but is a renown longbow archer, who has even won contests in Tashal.  He is also in charge of training the archers of the Chelmarch army.

11. HALF-VILLEIN (Odcim of Sheen, 52, male)Odcim, wife Crewsha(48), daughter Fayanne(30), son Hurst(22), grandson Mont(4).

Odcim and Crewsha do little work about the village any more, their children run the home and work the lands.  Neither child has married and are involved in an incestuous relationship.  Mont is the product of their liaison.

Odcim knows but is too ashamed to speak out loud, and some in the  village rumor the relationship to be true.  Crewsha believes the family lie that the father was a caravan guard that raped Fayanne.  They all keep the secret from her dearly, but Fayanna and Hurst continue their ways.  Being a devout Peonian, too afraid to acknowledge the sins aloud or to himself, Odcim often prays to Peoni for forgiveness and leaves it in her hands.

12. FARMER (Deargwyn of Leriel, 28, male)Deargwyn, wife Carigwen(26), son Gwydedd(13), son Maerwyn(10).

Recent immigrants from Leriel.  The family fled in 717 TR and entered a five-year contract as free farmers.  Deargwyn is wanted for murdering an Ivinian.  He did indeed do this, defending Carigwen from the man, but the Ivinian’s clan brothers did not believe that Deargwyn could have killed the man in combat (which he did, using a wood-axe) and charged him with murder.  Being thralls, it would have mattered little in either case.

The family managed to barely escape, and fled.  They fear that Harkaal, the man’s brother, still seeks him having sworn a blood vendetta.  Deargwyn likes Kathane and is considering entering into an unfree contract, but his enjoyment of being free has kept him from doing it so far.

13. HALF-VILLEIN (Astin of Kathane, 35, male)Astin, wife Miana(32), daughter Udra(15), son Pike(15), daughter Hythid (8).

Miana is a lay priestess of Peoni, volunteering time to help Brother Asler[31].

14. COTTAR (Brigham Derrene, 19, male)Living alone, Brigham spends much time with Rikker[15] and family.  His parents were both killed by drunken mercenaries in 715TR.  He nearly went mad with anger and grief.  With help from Korus [1], Asler[31] and Rikker, Brigham managed to recover.  Watching Korus hang the two murderers helped and has made him very loyal to his lord.

He took over his family lands with the help of Rikker, and they share much as Brigham looks to Rikker as a father and help Rikker as he can.  His sister Hatha[33] is married and lives with her husband.  They are not on good terms.

15. COTTAR (Rikker the Hillgiant, 42, male)Rikker, wife Paduli(38), son Enod(21), son Yulth(20), son Miccus(17), son Fradis(15), daughter Mora(15), son Tred(13), son Konder(10).

Rikker gains his name from living on a hill and being the largest man in the village.  This is the poorest family in Kathane, having little land and a large family.  But he is a pious, kindly man and well liked.  Rikker will often try to scare off temporary labor workers Korus hires in order to be able to earn more money himself.  While never violent, he can be intimidating and will try to convince the migrant workers how awful it is to live in Kathane so they will not wish to enter serfdom and take work from Rikker.  Should Korus find out about this he will be rather upset with Rikker.

His children often do extra work, helping folk around the village for food.  Yulth carves small toys and trinkets with great skill, monsters and knights being his favorites.  Though she doesn’t really need them, Breena[24] sometimes buys them for food, clothes or the occasional silver.

Miccus and Fradis are somewhat dim, often bullying other village children but are good-natured at heart.  Yulth and Miccus are both active in the militia, mostly for the meals provided, but both are respected fighters.  All of Rikker’s children share his trait of being rather large and muscled.  Mora unfortunately also shares the  physical traits of being large, muscular, and somewhat homely.

16. VILLEIN (Guyet of Kathane, 62, male)Guyet and wife Chena(60).

This is the oldest family in Kathane, Guyet’s father was the first to accept the tenant contract in 670 TR.  A once proud line, all of Guyets children, wives, and grandchildren died in the fever of 716 TR.  The cottage is a bit larger than most, but is now empty save these two.  Another son, Kistman is a mercenary in distant Telen and hasn’t been home in over fifteen years.

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Village Kathane 7

The couple is somewhat reclusive and lonely.  Guyet can no longer work the fields and often pays Rikker and sons[15] in kind to work his lands.  Guyet is wise and well versed in folklore and is the only person in Kathane who knows the full story of the happenings at Hargeth.  Chena is well known as the best alewife in the village.

17. HERDER (Raft Landergin, 34, male)Raft, wife Cheya(30), son Freth(14).

Raft and Freth are the village shepherds, along with the neighbor’s son Jymis[18].  Raft and Freth are both excellent pipe players and their tunes can be heard often from the fields.

18. FARMER (Dran of Kiban, 30, male)Dran, wife Kirstin(29), daughter Savan(15), son Jymis(15).

Dran moved to Kathane six years ago and his contract expires on 1 Nuzyael next year.  He has been fined twice for failing to upkeep his cottage, and is considered slothful and slovenly by the villagers.  He is not well liked by Korus and he fears his contract will not be renewed.

Jymis is a shepherd, spending much of his time with Raft[17] and Freth in the pastures and is learning to play pipes from them.

19. COTTAR (Hope of Bryn, 29, female)Her husband and son were both killed by fever in 716TR, a majority of her lands being held by Korus until she remarries.  Now she lives alone, and is an attractive, if forlorn, widow.  She works the fields and scratches out a living from a small garden.

She has a secret, romantic liaison with Ken of Kathane.  She keeps this secret as she feels she will be shamed for betraying her dead husband, and to keep from getting fined.

20. REEVE (Turrin Weedtooth, 44, male)Turrin, wife Jayn(40), son Midren(21), son Garted(20), daughter Knowtha(18).

Turrin is the village reeve, and gets his name from always chewing on stalks of wheat, reeds, or other grasses.  He is a competent man, proud and knowledgeable of all things agricultural.  Turrin is well respected, if not liked as he is a bit heavy handed.  He has a good working relationship with Sir Korus.

Midra has his own lands in change for his service as a YOEMAN (LF).  Surprising to some, Midren is a skilled warrior and has accompanied Sir Korus on two of his military duties.  Korus has been trying to force Midren to move out and live in his own

cottage (for the rent), but Midren refuses to do so.  This has caused some words between Turrin and the lord, but their good relationship has stayed Korus from forcing the issue so far.

Garted has been trying to betroth Marriana[2].  However both Turrin and Unger[2] are against it as they are deep in arrears with one another.  Garted does not wish to do so, but may soon tell his father Marriana is pregnant to convince him to allow the two to marry honorably.  He is the only other person who knows she is pregnant with his child.

21. WOODWARD (Jorsh of Balin, 28, male)Jorsh, his wife Greena(25), daughter Wara(10), sons Felk(9) and Veris(8).

Greena was blinded in 716 TR by the fever.  She has adapted well, still performing most household duties, even some gardening and Jorsh makes sure she is well cared for.

Jorsh is well liked by Korus and is also a skilled hunter and dog trainer.  He won 2 hounds from Korus in a bit of gambling and keeps them with him at all times.  Jorsh’s two hounds Beastie and Arrow are huge mastiffs and are utterly loyal and obedient to him.  Last summer, Jorsh claims to have shot a gargun in the woods with his bow.

22. YOEMAN (MF) (Cordan of Kathane, 18, male)Cordan, wife Bethyn(16), daughter Myun(7mo).

The couple is recently married and just gave birth to Myun.  Cordan is the younger brother of Ken of Kathane.  They recently moved out and built a nearby cottage.

23. FARMER (Ackron of Forn, 36, male)Ackron, wife Sundawn(36), son Kram(20).

Ackron is responsible for taking care of the orchard for his fees.  Kram is mentally retarded, but a loving son and the village beekeeper, at which he excels (the popular joke being he does so well because he’s to dim to realize he’s being stung).

24. WOODCRAFTER (Breena Keest, 22, female)Size: 3 Quality: *** Prices: highBreena, her son Poole(5), and apprentice Karth(15).

Breena’s husband hired on with an ill fated caravan in 718 TR as a guard to help out with the money.  He was paid upfront and the money held his family over a tough winter, but the caravan was wiped out by a Tulwyn raid and he was slain.

Breena is a skilled carpenter and woodcarver making many tools for the villagers.  She and Karth

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Kathane 8 Village

also maintain the bridge to the south of the village.  Karth is Breena’s cousin from Tashal.

25. HALF-VILLEIN (Dav of Moreket, 31, male)Dav, wife Sheyal(28), son Grun(18), daughter Dinala(12).

Grun was adopted by Dav when Grun wandered into town in 712TR.  Grun was the only survivor of a small caravan from Rethem, wiped out by a large, blubbery beast (or so claims Grun).  Few believe him, often chiding him about his “skinless bears”.

26. BEADLE (Pradux of Dane, 35, male)Pradux, wife Reilma(30), son Algain(15), daughter Vray(12).

Pradux is a hefty, scarred man having served for ten years as a mercenary in Kaldor.  He tired of that life however and moved to Kathane.  He is prone to look the other way for many offenses, and is a relaxed man despite his stern appearance.  When he decides to take notice however, he is a wrathful man.  He carries a large hand-axe in his belt at all times and the village seed is kept in a bin next to his cottage.

27. VILLEIN (Ken of Kathane, 39, male)Ken and son Then(12).

Ken and Then moved came to Kathane with a caravan in 710TR from Telen in Tharda.  Ken’s wife died from sickness on the trip and Ken decided to stay in Kathane.  Through shrewd bargaining, he managed to acquire large amounts of land for he and his brother Cordan[22] from the previous bailiff.

28. HALF-VILLEIN (Tilver, 20, male)Tilver and his brother Chukden(16).

Tilver and Chukden were orphaned in 718TR when their parents were set upon and killed by a pack of wolves during a very hard winter.  The winter made their parents forage in the woods, and made the wolves range far and wide for food.  Unfortunately they met one day, and the parents were killed.

29. YOEMAN (LF) (Clemet Fandurnin, 27, male)Clemet, wife Altana(31), son Rewel(13), daughter Millenue(10).

Altana was taken from Thay by Ivinians in 705TR.  Sold at various times from hand to hand, she escaped and found her way to Tashal were she met Clemet.  They married and soon came to Kathane.  Altana has a burning hatred for Ivinians, having suffered much in their hands.

30. HALF-VILLEIN (Novad of Kathane, 32, male)Novad, wife Colonia(30), daughter Graffala(17), son Bandrel(12), and son Gresht(10).

Novad and Colonia are humble worshippers of Peoni and are both lay clerics.  They often do duties for Asler and help with the church fields.

Graffala works in the “Last Ale”, though her parents don’t particularly like it.  They do not know however that Graffala hires herself out as a whore when the caravans come in.  Yled knows, as do many of the villagers (she doesn’t only work during caravan season), but keeps it from her parents as she draws in business.  If Novad or Colonia ever found out, it would devastate them.

Graffala is a rather attractive young woman.

31. PEONI TEMPLE (Brother Asler, 43, male)Brother Asler, acolytes Redell of Trune(21) and Brad Bloodfingers(17).

This humble temple is only furnished with a long, simple table, straw mats, and a simple altar of oak.  Asler lives here and during times of inclement weather is where he gives his sermons, though he holds most of his services in the open.  He is a pious but outspoken man and secretly despises the luxury of the town, feeling Sir Korus is leading the villagers away from the path of Peoni with his pursuit of riches.

When the Halean shrine was allowed, Asler and his acolytes chanted prayers and sermons for three months at the gates of the manor in protest.  Most of the villagers respect him, but find his sometimes self-righteous manner unseemly for a priest of Peoni.

Both Redell and Brad have recently arrived from an Abbey in Kanday.  Brad is a skilled scribe and illuminator.  His name comes from his bright red fingers.  Dabbling in a bit of alchemy and ink making to make a smear proof ink, Brad spilled the useless mixture on his hands.  Though the mixture was no good as an ink, it has proved an irremovable stain.  Brad dislikes Bloodfingers for obvious reasons and never uses the name himself.

To the south a few hundred feet is the cemetery, simple and surrounded by a hedge to keep scavengers out.  Various lay clerics help work the shrines lands.

32. PHYSICIAN (Magira of Querna, 30, female)Size: 7 Quality: **** Prices: avg/high+Magira, apprentices Mistin(21,male) and Showol(18,female).

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Village Kathane 9

Prices are average for locals but high+ for visitors.

Magira is an accomplished and skilled healer and alchemist.  After the fever of 716 TR, Korus enticed her to leave her last employment and move to Kathane by waving her taxes and fees for three years.  He had the opportunity to see her in action and was mightily impressed.

Magira makes a good deal of coin and keeps busy healing those wounded and sick from the caravans and she has room for several patients in her lavish home.  Her prices are lower for the locals in return for the kindness Korus has shown her.  Magira excels at identifying and treating sickness, the reason Korus hired her.  She knows well how diseases travel and any travelers can expect a casual inspection soon after arriving, usually in the form of an introduction.  She is a devout follower of Ilvir and grows many herbs in her garden for medicinal use.

33. VILLEIN (Nash Slanada, 37, male)Nash, his wife Daille(39), son Ganrin(20) and wife Hatha(17), daughter Eyour(15), son Dasht(13).

Nash is a distant relation of the old Slanada clan), but he holds no ties to them and any mention of them will fill him with either shame or rage.

Dasht lost his left arm last year playing under a caravan wagon when it rolled.  It was close but Magira[32] managed to save the boy.

Hatha hates her brother Brigham[14] as she believes he is responsible for their parent’s death.  He had nothing to do with it, but it was her way of dealing with it, however unfairly.

34. HALF-VILLEIN (Forn of Kathane, 42, male)Forn, son Ash(23), son Gred(19), aunt Thinia(60).

Forn’s family is one of the oldest families of Kathane.  Thinia’s father helped found the village. Thinia is well versed in herb lore and many in the village seek her out instead of Migira[32].  Other’s suspect she is a witch and view her with distrust.   She has visited the shade of Hargeth more than once and is the only person in Kathane that knows the name Phylun.

35. HALEAN SHRINE (Sophalia, 30, female)Sophalia, acolytes Fea(22, female) and Annesta(17, female), Solithar Telta Orm(25, male).

This shrine is lavishly furnished as are all Halean holdings, and is surrounded by wondrous rose bushes.  There are very few villagers that visit this place, but many visit when the caravans come in.  This shrine holds no lands and lives totally from

donations, wise caravan investing, and mostly from coin from the church.

It took a long debate, many gifts (including a warhorse) and an outrageous rent to convince Korus to allow the Shrine to be built in 718 TR.  Most of the villagers scorn the Halean’s, and Brother Asler fought it vehemently.  Sophalia however can see the potential of Kathane and accepted the terms of rent and fees, which are excessive.  She wants to make sure the Haleans are on hand for the boom Kathane is experiencing.   Sophalia is already independently wealthy and footed the gifts and construction costs herself.

The Haleans mostly keep to themselves so as not to agitate the villagers.  She has been talking to Graffala[30] secretly, trying to recruit her into a religion where Graffala can use her ways to gain power and coin with no  shame.  Nothing has come of it yet, but Graffala is listening.

36. KATHANE BRIDGEThis bridge is the only convenient way to cross the small finger of the Kald that runs to the south of Kathane.  There is ford about half a mile west of the bridge, but the last lord planted a large, thick grove of trees on either  side of it making it impossible to get a wagon through.    Korus follows this practice as well.  Jorsh often checks these trees and a 100d fine is set upon  any trying to cut their way through.  The river is neither overly swift nor deep, but the banks are quite steep and slippery.

There is usually at least one man-at-arms or yeoman at the bridge at all times, and there are usually 3-5 during caravan traffic.

TOLLS:person: 1f; beast/horse: 3d; wagon: 5d

The tolls are very strictly enforced, but tolls are not charged to village residents.  All other visitors (including migrant laborers) must pay.  A small hut is provided for guards during inclimate weather.

37. CARAVAN PARKThis area is hedged off to allow caravans to park wagons and tents that don’t fit into the Caravan Common.  A well is here, along with two troughs for animals and numerous posts to tie beasts to.   This is where much “illegal” trading with the villagers takes place.  The guards from the bridge watch the area, as any stray animals that eat any of the local’s garden goods are fined 60d..  Most caravans take care to keep their animals from straying.

There are some abandoned cottages (not numbered) about the village.  These are cottages whose tenants were killed in 716 TR by the caravan fever.  They are well

Internet Hârnica Written by Aaron Kavli

Kathane 10 Village

maintained as part of the fief upkeep.  No one is allowed to live in or enter these cottages except soldiers of the Chelmarch, and anyone caught sleeping in one will be fined 25d.  Korus has gotten more than one season’s

work in change for this fine from hired labor who thought to be sneaky.

Written by Aaron Kavli Internet Hârnica

Kathane 12 Manor

MANOR COMPLEX A. MANOR HOUSE

The manor house is the residence of most of the household.  The outer walls are made of stone on the lower level and thick wood for the second floor.  Interior walls are of wood and the manor’s ground floor is covered in wood planks, one of the recent improvements Korus has afforded and is rather proud of.

The wall is made of sharpened logs and is 10 foot tall.  While there is no catwalk all the way around, each wall has a small ladder and stand that can support two men.

B. WEAPON SMITH (Takon Reed, 28, male)Size: 5 Quality: **** Prices: High

Takon and his wife Leana(25) share a small room in the manor.  Takon has served a number of masters through out Kaldor and most of his work is the repair and upkeep of the Chelmarch armory.  Korus has several orders still being worked on for his soldiers, and Takon is constantly hammering away from dawn to dusk.  He does however when time allows produce excellent spears and short swords that are sold to caravans.  His wife often helps around the manor and tends the garden behind the manor wall.

C. OSTLER (Ilder of Kolorn, 29, male)Size: 6 Quality: *** Prices: high

Ilder and his son Thand(14) are part of the household but live in the stables in a comfortable loft.  The two of them work hard to keep up the

lord’s horses.  Ilder has a crooked nose from a horse’s kick when he was younger.  Thand is Ilder’s apprentice.  Apprenticing one’s son is uncommon, but the two are close and Ilder has little interest in sending his son to some fool to “be learned all wrong in the ways o’ horse flesh.”  Ilder is also a well renowned for his ability to treat horses, sometimes getting nobles from afar asking for help for a well loved (and expensive) steed.

        STABLES:         Pradux, Korus’s warhorse.         Anderbus, Balvin’s warhorse.         Torastra, Lakern’s warhorse (if not with army)

Fander, Lightning, and Nibble are three palfreys used by Korus hunting and his squires or by the others in his family.  Eayin claims to own Nibble and sometimes get cross when someone else rides her.  Lightning is usually reserved for the sole purpose of racing to Tashal to summon any Chelmarch soldiers there in a time of crisis.

D. COURTYARDThe courtyard of Kathane manor contains a small well and a simple stone cell for rowdy visitors.

E. GUARD SHACKThis small shack is for guards to stand their post and a small ladder leads to the roof allowing sight over the wall.  Gate is made of thick oak and is secured with two cross beams when shut.

F. BARRACKSThis cramped building was recently added in 718 TR as Korus began to add men-at-arms.  It contains 4 bunk beds, but little else.  Currently Deesa, Kepan, Arbenia, Kargalaak, Thord, all bunk here.  Soldiers from the army are not allowed to bunk here, except in emergency.  Gear is stored on the extra bunks.

KATHANE MANOR, INTERIOR1. MAIN HALL

This is where the household eats and entertains guests.  Some nice tapestries and some carvings decorate the walls.  A hearth under the window provides some light and heat.  A rack and cabinet near the guard’s room [4] hold Korus’s weapons and armor and the weapons for the guards while a small space behind the curtain near the stairs holds the cleaning gear for the servants.

2. KITCHENA large hearth and stove are here for the cooking under a smoke vent.  A long table is used by the cook and alewife for food preparation. Cutlery is

kept in a cabinet near the hearth.  The cellar is below where food and ale are kept for storage.

3. DOMESTIC QUARTERSThis is where the cook, alewife, and domestics sleep on simple mattresses.  As the room can get crowded, some will usually take their mattress and sleep in the hall.  A simple wardrobe is also here for the storage of the domestics few possessions.

The chamberlain sleeps on a small mattress in his own small area closed off with a curtain.

4. GUARD QUARTERSPickett and Diggum sleep here when not on duty sharing a sturdy bunk bed.  Pickett has carved the table top to be the playing board for a dice game they often play using small, carved pieces.

5. LORD’S BEDCHAMBERA well crafted four-poster bed with a new down mattress ( another gift from the Haleans ) dominates this room.  The wardrobe and chest contain the lord and lady’s wardrobe, jewelry, and other finery.

6. LORD’S STUDY/CHAPELThis is Korus’s quiet room where he sits and reads his few texts or entertains more noble guests talking of things and smoking pipes.  This room is also used as the chapel to Larani where Razia gives his sermons.  Behind two tapestries depicting a scene of Larani and Mendez fighting fiery demons is a Large wooden idol of Larani.

7. TAKON AND LEANA’S ROOMHere Takon and Leana sleep having but modest trappings.

8. RAZIA’S ROOMThe priest lives here and spends most of his time in this room when not playing or preaching.  He has a small but valuable collection church texts.  The door was put on backwards long ago and Korus has never bothered to get it fixed.

9. TANALA’S ROOMTanala spends all of her free time in this room praying to Larani.  The room is spartan as Tanala allows herself no luxury.

10. EAYIN’S ROOMThis room is the most lavishly decorated in the whole manor. Rich tapestry covers every inch of the walls and a large rug covers much of the floor.  A large wardrobe contains Eayin’s large selection of fine clothes and jewelry.  Most impressive (and expensive) is a large glass mirror that covers the

Kathane 14 Manor

wardrobe door.  A crack runs along one side of the mirror from one of Eayin’s temper tantrums.

11. SQUIRE ROOMBalvin, Cerdan, and Samwell share this room much to Balvin’s distress.  The two squires share a bunk bed and Balvin has a large bed with Korus’s old mattress.  A wardrobe holds the trio’s clothes and their weapons are usually piled in the corner.  A pile of 800d is tucked under Balvin’s bed.

12. GUEST ROOMS; LADDER TO ROOFThese rooms are usually empty, being used by visiting nobles and caravan masters.  When Conwan or someone of higher status comes to visit, they will use Korus’s room while Korus and Yael stay in the large room.  Sir Lakern and other officers of the army often occupy the smaller rooms when the army is garrisoned in Kathane.

The ladder leads to the roof but is seldom used.  It is secured by a latch from the inside.

THE MANOR HOUSEHOLD

Sir Korusof Ynel (48, male)Korus is a veteran knight, having served as the

knight-captain of Querina for Conwan and his father, and is currently the field commander of the Chelmarch army.  He has partaken in several campaigns with both, and is a very loyal man to liege lord and the crown.   A man of slight stature that belies his true strength and prowess, he is a fierce warrior, a brilliant tactician, and a ferocious negotiator.

He has come to appreciate the status and wealth Kathane has brought him, and is very proud of what he has accomplished.  Korus pays his dues happily to Conwan, and the two are close friends still even though they haven’t spent much time together in the last ten years.

Korus is an honest man, and tries to be fair.  Visiting caravans are very important to him and he shows them a great deal of leeway.  He is often accused of being too tolerant, but he wishes to keep relations with the mercantylers good.  Happy visitors tend to stay longer and spend more coin.  And often his leniency leads some to press their luck too far, giving Korus the ability to demand exorbitant fines on violators.

Korus has an older son, Sir Pakesh(24) who is part of the Olokand guard.

Lady Yael Tarbon (45, female)Yael is a very distant cousin of the Dariunes, and

has always kept her manner proper and somewhat aloof. 

In relaxed or close company however, she is a witty humorist and not above loud guffawing.  In her manner comes a graceful beauty, which more than compensates for her graying hair and few wrinkles.

She loves her husband very much and the two are close.  But in public she will never show affection.  Despite her aloof appearance, she is always a kind and generous host to those deserving it.  Yael is also and excellent dancer and often will dance for or with Korus for entertainment.

A little known embarrassment of hers was that she passed gas loudly at a proper function in Miginath’s court once during a quiet pause.  Only due to a stomach sickness at the time did this happen.  Few remember, but if it should be brought up she will vehemently deny it and leave blushing.  Korus will have cross words with the questioner.  Balvin was there and remembers the event, often bringing it to her attention, but never when anyone else is around.  Alone he will sometimes address her as Lady Horn.  She is too embarrassed to tell anyone and she avoids Balvin at all costs.

Eayin Tarabon (16, female)Eayin is a beautiful, blooming young lass.  She is

born to privileged and is always decked in finery.   She was schooled in letters  by her mother, and has her own palfrey.  Eayin is also an incorrigible snot, rude, selfish, and conceited.  Common enough traits in the nobility of Kaldor, but she is such that Yael is often embarrassed by her daughter.  Eayin enjoys  causing trouble for the villagers.  Most villagers despise her and avoid her before she can cause them any ill.  If a group of villagers scatter suddenly, one of them has spotted Eayin coming their way.

Eayin is often taken to outbursts of rage and whining.  She fancies herself to be a courtier of the king’s court, though she has never been.  Despite Kathane’s proximity to Tashal, and the fact that Korus often travels to court there on matters of the army, taking his daughter along is the one thing he can refuse her, until she learns to act more the lady.  Constantly demanding to be taken to a “proper” court, Eayin often curses her father for leaving her in a remote “canker on the Salt Route”.  Yael absolutely refuses to attend such functions with her daughter, telling her she must first learn to be a lady.  Balvin has told Eayin of her mother’s embarrassment, but she has kept it to herself as yet.  Things would get rather interesting if Eayin blurted a comment about it in rage to her mother.

Eayin hangs on every word of Balvin, especially when he talks of the court life of Tashal and Olokand.  She adores him and has settled her manners somewhat to impress him as he has promised to take her back with him.  Of late, Balvin is the only person she will listen too.  This aggravates Korus, but he would not be against

marrying into the Elendsa clan.  Nor would Yael be too aggrieved if Balvin skirted Eayin away.

Sir Lakern Tarabon (23, male)Lakern is Yael’s much younger brother and also

distant cousin to the Dariune clan.  He was Korus’s squire until two years ago.  Lakern is often chided by Korus and Yael about being part of Yael’s dowry, since he was taken with them when married.  He has followed Korus and his sister from Querina to Kathane, and is fiercely loyal to both.  As such, Lakern has a great dislike for Balvin.  Lakern proved to be a capable squire, and is a capable and knight as well.

He knows the inner workings of the army, spending much of his time as squire as a lieutenant, and has developed Korus’s skill for tactics and leadership.  He is also a skilled swordsman and is well respected by his men and his superiors.  Lakern is a man who loves the campaign and loves the good fight and is not often in Kathane unless the army is there.  While polite, he is short on social graces and has no mind for politics, something Balvin likes to point out often.

Tanala of Minarsis (24, female)Tanala is Yael’s distant niece and acts as her lady in

waiting.  Tanala is rather shy and timid, and little is known of her.  She attends to her duties loyally and asks for nothing.  She is also a sorrowful looking lass and has the look of someone carrying a great weight.  Yael often presses her on the matter, but to no avail.

Tanala’s woe comes from the fact that she was often molested by her father before she killed him.  She bears the burden of shame and guilt, despair and murder closely and prays to Larani often, seeking the path of what a true noble lady would do.

Sir Balvin Elendsa (21, male)Balvin is a favored nephew of Conwan Elendsa.  As

much as Eayin is a snot, Balvin is a snobbish smart-ass.   He grew up in his uncle’s court among the great nobility of Kaldor and views Kathane with disdain, thinking it nothing more that a dust hole.  Conwan favored his nephew, though Balvin just sees his uncle as a means to riches and power.  Which was well in his grasp.  He even has a very distant, unpressable, claim to the throne.

Unfortunately, Balvin is rather blunt and lacking any gentle manners, despite claiming to the consumate courtier.  He soon became the laughing stock of the courts.  Balvin has a tendency to mix his open disdain for everyone with a good deal of fabrication.  Wild claims of deeds were often espoused by the young knight.  Claims of wealth and valor were scoffed at,

especially by those who knew Balvin had never even marched to a military muster.  Some took to calling him “Sir Golden Horse”.  Balvin assumed this is a compliment to his riding skill, his only appreciable knightly skill. He came to find that it referred to what must have been paid to buy his knighthood.  He answered this comment with rather rude bluntness, and haughtily insulted all within earshot.

Sir Adwain of Yandil did not take kindly to Balvin’s words and demanded justice by the sword.  Balvin is of weak skill at arms, and indeed of arm.  While poor fighters have been knights before, Balvin lacked any other knightly virtue and had a keen tongue, no one would take his side in the matter.  Instead he was goaded into accepting the duel by some courtier’s (for their amusements) and Balvin was quickly defeated.  Adwain received a warhorse and a hauberk of fine mail from Conwan for Balvin’s ransom.  Adwain also gifted Balvin with a scar on his cheek to remind him of the value of good manners.

Conwan skirted Balvin away and called a favor from Korus to employ his nephew as his Sergeant-at-Arms.  Conwan equipped Balvin with horse and armor and agreed to pay Balvin’s salary if Korus would keep him from trouble and folly.  Korus agreed and is the only one in Kathane that knows the tale.  Balvin does not know Korus knows however.

Korus and most of the village and household have come to dislike Balvin.  Korus knows him to be a wastrel and a liar and only suffers him for Conwan’s sake, and for his own promise.  He has tried to send Balvin with the army, but Lakern usually sends him back to Korus due to attitude or sheer incompetence.  Balvin disdains Korus as a mere lackey of his uncle who desires to settle and do what he’s told.  Korus’s wealth is not lost on Balvin and is constantly thinking of petty ways to make Korus look foolish.  Balvin is constantly scheming to get himself into a position of power and considers himself to be a great leader, and possibly future bailiff of Kathane.   The fact that Balvin depends on Korus and will never be given any position of importance has never crossed his mind.

Cerdan Crulack (15, male)One of Korus’s squires.  The boy is earnest and hard

working, having great determination and is progressing nicely.  However he is scared of horses after being thrown from one last year.  Cerdan does his best, but his fear greatly affects his riding ability.  Korus wishes to have Cerdan be a lieutenant with the army for a while, but has decided to wait until Cerdan regains some confidence.

Kathane 16 Manor

Samwell Fescht (18, male)Korus’s second squire, Samwell is a skilled and

worthy squire having learned his lessons well.  He is a brawny lad good with horses.  He always wears a handsome battlesword across his back that was gifted by his now dead father.  People often chide him for it, but Korus says nothing as he hopes that his son will hold him in such reverence on his passing.  Samwell is currently acting as a lieutenant for the Chelmarch army and seldom leaves Lakern’s side.

Pickett the Red Faced (28, male)Pickett is one of Korus’s men-at-arms(LF).  He is a

scarred mercenary veteran who’s settled in Kathane.  His name comes from his temper which flares loud and often.  Pickett is sometimes unduly confrontational with people and gets wroth at the smallest of things.  The villagers are terrified of Pickett and are very subdued around him so as not to anger him, even though he has never actually raised a hand against any of the villagers.  Korus keeps him around for this very reason, but doesn’t allow him to yell too close to him.  Pickett doesn’t get along well with Master, the lord’s hound, and the two can often be found growling and barking at each other.

Diggum Palatin (24, male)Diggum is another other man-at-arms(SB).  He came

to Kathane working as a guard in 717 TR.  He got drunk while in town and wandered into the lord’s forest where he killed a deer.  Jorsch[21] caught him passed out next to the deer’s corpse and arrested him.  Diggum was given the choice of losing his right hand or serving two years for Korus for room and board only.         Diggum decided to hire on after his sentence was over, having grown to like Kathane and Korus.  He has never actually been involved in a battle of any sort, but is an excellent bowman.  He is unfortunately somewhat of a drunkard, though that has curbed since his involvement with Meesha[9].

Deesa Arbion (19, male)Deesa is young man that seems somewhat small for

a man-at-arms.  His dark eyes and hair show a strong trace of Jarin blood somewhere in his family tree.   Despite his stature, he is a quick and agile warrior.   Deesa’s main function however is that of a mounted scout.  He is an excellent rider and accomplished woodsman.  Deesa doesn’t fight mounted however, if called to fight he will dismount and fight on foot (LF).   It is his job to race Lightning, one of the manor’s horses, to summon the army in times of crisis, be it from Tashal or from patrol.

Kepan of Bell (21, male)Kepan despite his relative youth has fought under

several masters as a mercenary.  His last captain went broke leading a caravan from Tashal in 718 TR.  A group of debtors from the Mangai met them in Kathane to collect.  The captain did not have the funds, and with the assistance of Korus (always wanting to help the Mangai if it doesn’t cost him anything) the troop was disbanded.  Most of the others were hired piece meal by caravans not wishing to loose their protection.  But not all the men were hired, they had already been paid for once!  Korus offered to employ Kepan.

Kepan fights as (MF), and is a rather rugged sort.  His actual fighting experience is moderate, but his skills are good and he is a veteran campaigner due to lots of travel time.  Kepan is a short but stout man, and at 21 is already going bald.

Arbenia Moores (20, female)Arbenia is a young lass trained in the arts of

war(LF).  While this is something of a rarity in Kaldor, it is not unheard of.  Arbenia was a run away serf from a manor in Chybisa.  After surviving in Thay for almost two years, she was granted her freedom.  In Thay she worked as a bar wench and then after dealing with several ruffians she worked as the inn’s bouncer.  Here she learned her skills in weapons from a friendly mercenary who also worked at the inn.  Constant harassment from her old lord however convinced her to leave.

Arbenia hired on with a couple of caravan mercenary troops.  She was treated poorly and was one knife stroke ahead of being raped.  Arbenia finally made it to Tashal in 719 TR and vowed never to join a mercenary troop again.  In Tashal however she would find it hard to find employment.  While female warriors are not unheard of, few employers even showed interest.  She even inquired about work with the city garrison.

Here Balvin heard of her inquiries and as a way to cause Korus grief he hired her for Kathane at half normal pay.  Desperate and poor, she accepted.  If Balvin was hoping she would cause trouble or embarrassment for Korus, he was sorely mistaken.  Arbenia appreciates the job so much, there are few more loyal to Korus.  Though skilled, she is inexperienced but has handled herself well. Korus has taken a liking to the spirited lass, except her tendency to handle visiting caravan guards violently.  Korus has agreed to pay her a full share if she continues her good service for six more months, which seems very likely.

At 5’9” she is rather muscular and wears her hair short.  This and her usually serious expression have earned her the nick name Arbenia “More’s or less a man”.

Kargalaak Telgaadsen (32, male)Kargalaak is a bull of a man, a full six foot with

shaggy yellow locks and a long beard, a stereotypical Ivinian warrior.  He is a survivor of the Cape Renda disaster and washed ashore.  Somehow he managed to make his way to Thay.  He was almost lynched several times before managing to hire on with a small expedition to explore a nearby ruin.

The party was never heard from again and Kargalaak doesn’t speak of it.  The shame he felt from the Renda affair prevented him from traveling home to Geldenheim.  After working here and there he turned up in Kathane, possibly considering a trip to Tharda.  Korus came to speak with the stranger, and since the Kath had been particularly active near Kathane that summer, decided to hire him on in 717 TR.

Deargwyn and Carigwen [12]  both fear the man greatly, and still fear he is really there to engage in the vendetta against them.  Kargalaak is usually a very boisterous man, but is subdued around them.  This makes the Jarin couple very nervous, but in reality it is because Kargalaak has little love of how his kin treat their thralls and is embarrassed by it.  Thralls are a way of Ivinian culture and Kargalaak has no qualms about keeping them, only that the thralls of Orbaal are not treated honorably.  Should Deargwyn or Carigwen get in trouble, it is likely Kargalaak will be the first to their aid (much to their surprise).  Altana[29], will have nothing to do with him.

Kargalaak wears his somewhat dilapidated scale hauberk and wields a battleaxe (MF).

Thord of Kiban (20, male)Thord is a somewhat uninspiring man, generally

considered lazy and apathetic to what goes on around him.  At one time he was an apprentice weaponsmith in Olokand, but he was found selling his masters work behind his back, claiming the pieces must have been stolen. Thord was caught and banished from all guilds by Mangai charter.  Only he and Takon, the lord’s weapon smith, know of this.  Takon will not allow Thord to enter his shop.  Thord’s skill at arms is somewhat lacking, but he is capable of doing maintenance on the soldiers gear when Takon is otherwise engaged.  Korus does not particularly like Thord and often sends him on errands and to musters (MF).

Razia Mangella (33, male)Razia is a priest of Larani and is the youngest son of

a minor noble of distant Minta in Kaldor.  He is a well versed if somewhat uninspiring priest, always giving popular or easy answers to quandaries.  Korus is rather apathetic to Razia’s dull sermons.

Razia is an excellent minstrel however, able to sing deeply and play the flute, lute, pipes, and harp.  The unspoken understanding being that as long as Razia plays at Korus’s will, he can keep his rather comfortable position in the manor and Korus won’t seek a more devout priest.

Candrel the Chamberlain (55, male)Candrel is a loyal servant, but having worked for

three lords his loyalties are more towards the house than the holder.  An efficient and smart man, severe atheritice leaves him mostly house bound.

Rivera Sluath (25, female)Rivera is cook and she has a wide variety delicious

recipes.  Recently hired, she comes from the kitchens of Cear Elend in Tashal where she also worked as a cook and kitchen hand.  She is rather simple minded and homely, but few can match her culinary command.  She makes a spiced duck  stew that Korus is very fond of.  It is often served at the request of various household members who must share ill news with the lord that eve.  Korus has learned of this ploy and is well amused by it and pleased with the stew it brings.

Junria (21, female)Junria is the household ale wife.  She is rather

unimaginative in her brews, but Yael has taught her several recipes.

DOMESTICS

Mareen (38, female)Mareen has been the family servant for years and

she accompanied the Tarabon family from Querina.  Some whisper that Korus and  Mareen are intimate, though it is probably not true.

Sasahni (28, female)Sasahni is Kath born, but raised as a Kaldorian. She

was taken in an attack on the Kath and raised by foster parents in Tashal.  She is rather attractive, as many Kath women are, and has a sultry and seductive air about her.  She now worships Halea and is currently sleeping with Balvin secretly.

Huric (24, male)Huric is a smart young man who does much of the

repair work around the manor.  He also does most of the work Candrel is unable to do and will probably replace him soon.

Kathane 18 Manor

Glanic (22, male)Glanic’s parents died in the fever of 716 TR and

Korus seized the family lands.  Glanic has the mind of a ten year old and would not be able to take care of the lands.  Korus took him in and he has done good work.  He works hard and follows orders if not too complicated.

Ferri (20, female)Ferris is a lazy girl, who may soon find herself fired

if Korus’s bed is not made correctly too many more times.  She has been lashed twice for her sloth.

Daeni (16, female)Daeni is an escaped slave from Coranan who snuck

into a caravan and escaped to Kathane.  Little is known of her as she fears to make an issue of being an escaped slave.  She is a comely girl and Balvin has forced himself on her a few times.

Master and Dragon (Kaldorian mastiffs)Pollus (blood hound)

All have been trained by Jorsch[21] and live in the manor, sleeping on Korus’s floor.  The servants are responsible for feeding and cleaning up after them.  They are all housebroken however.

Kathane 20 The Last Ale

THE LAST ALE INN1. Main Tavern

This is the main gathering place for visiting caravaners and locals.  The interior its self is of high quality though worn, several walls and tables show the marks of rowdy mercenaries.  Stairs on the outside of the building leads to the second floor and is covered by an awning.

Yled will usually be behind the bar while Ayane, Carod, and Thia serve and clean.  Thia will sometimes offer her “services” to visitin caravaners (only) for up to 3d depending on apparent wealth.  Her parents both know of this, and the attractive girl brings in good coin. The inn offers the following items; most fare is decent to delicious.

        MENU        Ale-2f, Beer-2f, Fine Wine-4d, Brandy-12d, Mead-3f, Apple tarts-2f, Chicken Stew-2d, Mutton Chops w/turnips-3d, Chicken Pie-2f, Barley and Lintel soup-1d, Porridge-2f,  Bread loaf-1f, Honey Roll-1d

Halve the prices when there are no visiting caravans in town.

The curtained off rooms are very clean, and even a bit fancy.  There is no set charge, but 1d is often the “tip” to keep such rooms clean.  Visiting merchants have been known to pay well for these rooms, giving high tips and outbidding others.  Up to 112d has been paid, but the usual is 5-10d.  The locals rarely use these rooms.

2. KitchenTholanda often slaves away here, cooking hearty foods.  Ayane spends about half of her time helping with food, the other serving it.  During very cold weather, the family can be found huddling about the hearth.

3. Horse Pen & OstlerThe Last Ale offers care and keeping for visiting horses at the rate of 5d per night.  Most are left to roam, but Rodirk’s house has room for 6 horses.  Rodirk and Chea live in a small, simple cottage with stables (off Inn map).

4. Sleeping AreaA place to sleep on the hay strewn floor costs 2f, another 2f to use one of the inn’s blankets (kept in the closet by the toilets).  A bed costs 4d a night.  The beds are fairly clean and the linens are washed once a week.  The far left room is reserved for Thia and Griffala [30] to “be ladies of the night”.

5. Living SpaceThis is where Yled and his family all sleep.  Small vents under Yled’s bed allow heat from the kitchen hearth to warm the room.  The room is moderately furnished, and the families belongings are all kept in chests under the beds.

Kathane 22 Hargeth Ruins

HARGETH RUINS The skeletal remains of Hargeth village stand in

silent ruin some leagues to the west.  Little is known of the true happenings of the place.  The story goes that over a century ago a shaman of the Kath tribe ordered the destruction of Hargeth and sacrificed the lord and villagers to their dark gods.

This dark deed has left the lord to haunt the ruins, nothing but a dark shade that lurks in the burned ruins of the manor.  His soul has become twisted by the dark rites performed to him before his death, and darkness now hangs constantly over the ruins like a sinister fog.

The Kath entrapped his soul into a large stone they left in the manor.  Any one who touches this stone will be possessed by the shade and their soul cursed.

It is said that the Shade of Hargeth can see into the future and read a person's fate.  The shade is rumored to sometimes warn of impeding danger and offer secrets to those who are worthy.  But to those unworthy, he will often give cryptic advice that will more often trick the questioner as help.

Sir Korus has made it known with no confusion that Hargeth is off limits.  No one in the village is to speak of the place or shade to visitors under pain of lashing and heavy fine to prevent curious visitors from stirring up the shade.  And with no uncertainty, Sir Korus will have any known to have counseled with the shade hanged for witchcraft.

All the villagers know of the shade.  Some believe it a fanciful tale while others fear to be out of the village at night.  The Shade of Hargeth is a story oft told to scare children and to make them do their chores.  In either case no one strays near the ruins, for fear of punishment or fear of something more dread.

The truth of the matter is a more unpleasant tale.

Over a century ago the Salt Route had a somewhat different route, running through a different village called Hargeth.  It was a prosperous village, enjoying many of the same trade benefits that Kathane enjoys now.

The lord of Hargeth manor was an adventurous knight named Sir Bathel Madris.  He was a strict but fair lord.  He soon became bored with his charge and took to exploring the woods and roaming far and wide, often into unexplored Kath lands to the west.  He would sometimes clash with small groups of Kath and would often search for fierce beasts to fight.  He spent an undue amount of time traveling to as many tournaments as he could. Though Hargeth was still prosperous, it was starting to suffer from Bathel's neglect as his son was unlearned in how to properly run the fief in his absence.

In 563 TR Bathel returned to find a mysterious visitor guesting in the manor, awaiting his return.  This visitor introduced himself as a scholar who had recently come into knowledge concerning a hermit who lived west of Hargeth generations ago.  The scholar asked for Bathel's leave and help to search for this hermit's ancient hut as it was far in Kath lands.  In return the scholar was prepared to gift Bathel a fine broadsword of Khuzan make.  Bathel accepted the sword and he and his men escorted the man west.

They found the ancient stone hut, but a family of Kath villagers was living there and Bathel and his men attacked them scattering them into the woods.  After a short search, the scholar returned with a tome wrapped in a rotting cloth.  Fearing a return of the Kath, they quickly left.

The scholar's impatience to examine his new treasure would be his undoing, and fearing the destruction of this ancient tome during travel, he asked to study it in Hargeth.  The stranger stayed in the manor house and spent all hours of day and night reading, translating, and scribing the text.

Bathel began to take an interest in the workings of the stranger and stole away to read the text translations while the stranger slept.  The words spoke of powers to be harnessed and riches to be taken.  Bathel waited for the stranger to finish his work.  But when he did, the stranger told Bathel it was a thing to never meet the eyes of men and began throwing his work into the hearth!  Bathel moved to stop him and they struggled until Bathel slew the man.  The book was saved and much of the text was half readable, but not fully.

Bathel read the texts and became convinced he could summon and control great power.  He began to attempt some of the rites in the tome, but nothing happened.  More and more he tried but to no avail.  Delving deeper into the text he sacrificed a hound, as he was set to bring forth the magic despite the fact he understood little of the writings himself.

What exactly happened is unclear, but something did.  He banished everyone else from the manor house.  Bathel began traveling into the woods to capture Kath, and these poor souls he would sacrifice in newly learned rites. Bathel began to claim he could see things to come, and see things ethereal no mortal could see.  He was convinced that his power would grow.  In accordance with the lore of the tome, he began calling himself Phylun, forbidding the use of his real name.  The villagers had become worried about their mad lord and the decay of the village, and simply accepted.  Some asked the local Peonian priestess to visit the lord and see to his mind.  She was imprisoned within and never released again.

Hargeth Ruins Kathane 23

By the beginning of 568 TR Bethel, now Phylun, had killed over thirty Kath.  He had killed a whole family of 16 in one brutal sacrifice.  Askew to Phylun's plans however, before the completion of a large band of over 200 Kath swarmed Hargeth.  The serfs were slaughtered, along with everyone else in the village except for a couple of fleeing survivors.

The entire village was put to the torch as was the manor.  The Kath found Phylun dead in the smoke, clutching his precious tome.  A shaman was with the Kath, having sensed the evil behind the killing of his kin.  Knowing such evil could never be killed, the shaman ordered Phylun thrown in the cellar along with his precious tome and sword, and it filled with dirt from Kath sacred land. Then a large stone idol was placed over the cellar, covered with Kath magical symbols of power.

The powers Phylun dabbled in were far beyond his understanding and far from bringing him eternal power, his actions brought him eternal suffering.  His shade is bound to the stone idol and cannot leave or rest.

Phylun's shade can be seen as a pair of glowing eyes from within the burnt ruins of Hargeth manor on the full Yael of every month.  He can also be summoned forth by invoking his name (Phylun) while touching the stone idol, but this dark spirit can only manifest at night.

Phylun is an evil, sadistic, twisted shade.  He enjoys nothing more than giving contrary advice that brings people harm.  What he sees in people's future is never made up, nor is it set in stone (a phrase he rather dislikes!).  He will always give the information in the most confusing way he can, always trying to trick listener's into harming themselves.  Phylun's voice is always a hollow echo filled with hate and venom, sneering at those before him.  He can lie and often threatens to kill people and tear their soul from them, but

Phylun can do nothing in the physical plane, nor can anything be done to him physically.

The shade's name is not widely known.  But if someone does find it, they can summon him from his stone as described above.  And the first time Phylun's name is invoked, he must tell the whole and absolute truth for one question, though he will not tell the questioner this information and will probably present it in a fashion to make it seem unbelievable.  Or, if it is a simple question or one of little importance, he will tell the truth and try to convince the summoner he is trustworthy.  This way  he can lure them back where he may lie and deceive at whim.

After this, he may twist the truth to the name holder.  Phylun will not willingly answer summons when invoked and is allowed a Willx3 to resist (I suggest a Will score of 13 or so, slightly above average).  The attempt to summon him can only be done once a night.

If a person knows the name Bathel Madris they can command the shade at will.  He may be summoned from the stone only being allowed a Willx1 test, but still only once a night.  However at the beginning of each month, at dawn of the first day, Bathel Madris may be invoked into the sunlight, but is allowed a Willx6 roll to resist.   If sunlight ever shines on the shade, he will dissolve into a screaming cloud of darkness and be destroyed for eternity.

How a person may come into this information is a problem.  However, a clever person my trick the information from the shade or do some obscure investigating as to the identity of who the lord of this ancient place was.  Perhaps a careful search will turn up a scrap of heraldry, or a prize handed down from Kath to Kath somewhere ( an emblazoned shield or wax seal perhaps ) may be uncovered and a trip to a herald's college made.  Or if the means are available, perhaps a more esoteric solution can be used.

HARGETH MAPA. HARGETH MANOR

The remains of the manor are a burned out wooden structure filled with debris, parts of the walls and roof having collapsed.  The only feature of note is a large stone covered with odd carvings.  This is the stone that the Kath entrapped Phylun.  It is close to 500lbs and sits upon the earth filled cellar containing Phylun's physical remains.  The air in the manor seems stale and dank despite it's open area and it always seems darker than it should.  When

Phylun is manifest, the interior is pitch black and most light will only flicker dimly in the darkness.

Phylun is tied to the position of the stone.   So if it is moved, his manifestations will follow the stone, with the same caveats as above.  Moving the stone however is problematic.  It is rather heavy, large, and unwieldy. The remaining timbers will not support an pulley of any sort and the wide belief associated with the rumor is that touching the stone will allow the shade to possess the toucher.  This is not true of course, Phylun cannot leave the stone.

If the stone is destroyed however, Phylun will be able to roam far and wide and act like any other shade/spirit.  But if the magics on the stone are not dispelled ( a low to medium level binding or blessing, up to the GM ) Phylun will never be able to stray farther than a league from his skeleton.  This is why he has never told the Slanada's to destroy the rock.  They are not capable of moving it far so there is no point in doing so, and the rock does protect his precious text.

If all the obstacles are overcome and the cellar is dug out, a damp skeleton clutching a ragged book and a fine broadsword will be uncovered.  The book will be in abysmal shape, barely readable at all.  If extreme care is not taken, the book will crumble away.  The translation texts have rotted into dust. The sword will be tarnished but in excellent shape (WQ +2, +1 Edge) otherwise.

Of course disturbing the corpse of a shade is always deemed bad luck...

B. HARGETH WELLThis is the village's old well now only holding shallow, muddy water.  Some of the stones around its rim have crumbled.

C. MILL RUINSMost of the stone of this ancient watermill still stand, though blackened from the fire that destroyed the rest of it a century ago.  Small trappings and other signs of habitation are evident.

The Slanada's will stay in this building when awaiting Phylun on the Yael of each month.  Lindis often stays here as well, sometimes sleeping during the daylight hours when he is off hunting.

The stones are in good enough shape to be taken down and used elsewhere should anyone pursue it.  The riverbed is now dry.

THE SLANADA’SThere was a few that survived the Kath attack on

Hargeth.  Funding Slanada, the lord's ostler, his wife and daughter escaped as they had been living in stables and rode off on the lord's horses.  Unfortunately they became lost in the woods and confusion and found themselves deep in the Kath lands.  They were unsure what to do.  They were afraid of the Kath, but they were afraid of returning to civilization as well because of Fundins involvement in the lord's witchery.  Funding was sure they would be hanged as witches when the sheriff found out what happened.  So he decided they would live in the woods as hermits.

Since that time the Slanada's have grown into a small clan living off the land.  The family has

degenerated into a sickly clan of severely inbred freaks.  They are so foul and miserable in their horrid existence, even the local Kath tribes stay far away.  Most of the family suffers from multiple genetic conditions, one being a dread skin disease that causes patches of flesh to rot into masses of oozing ichor.

One of the more interesting aspects to this queer family is there religion.  It is an odd mix of Peonian beliefs, dark knowledge Funding learned from his lord, and the twisted words of Phylun.  They see Phylun as a servant of the "Great Shadow" and gather every full Yael to worship and catch a glimpse of their demi-god.

The main philosophy of their beliefs is that Peoni is the mother of the Shadow and that she gains strength by blood sacrifice to the Shadow.  The symbol of the Slanada Shadow is that of Peoni's daisy, blackened in a pool of red.  Sick and dying family members are sacrificed to the Shadow, as are those deemed unworthy to the family.  The majority of sacrifices are animals as the Slanada's encounter few humans.

Sacrifices are gruesome, involving much bloodletting and dismemberment while the victim still lives.  More gruesome is the cannibalism and blood drinking that takes place after the sacrifice.  Often the bones of such victims are crafted into simple tools.  No one from Kathane knows much of the Slanadas, but if Korus ever learned of this practice he would probably ride forth and kill them all.

In other respects the family is just as depraved.  Violence is a common form of communication and any male is encouraged to bed any woman to produce children.  Phylun has convinced them that a woman taken against her will produce stronger children and that the families deformities are just a transition stage to becoming more divine servants of the Shadow.

The family now lives in a small complex of 6 ratty huts set in a circle around a blood stained altar (a large wooden table) with a small field were a scarce crop is yielded.  The Slanadas sleep where they will and no one has a specific hut.  The huts are set in an area of thick woods, except for the cleared field.  Their standard of living is disgusting (even by medieval standards), waste is everywhere and disease is rampant.  Many of the family have died from simple disease and famine.  Their clothes are barely rags and they make everything they own except for the occasional gear they take from sacrificed travelers and Kath.

The family often visits Hargeth and offers sacrifice to Phylun.  He in turn gives them knowledge enough to harm themselves for his amusements. Otherwise the Slanada's keep to themselves.  Occasionally they will hunt in Korus's forest and take a sheep that has wandered from Kathane's flock.  The villagers know of the Slanada's but have had very little interaction.

Axis (43, male)Axis is the patriarch of the family.  He is responsible

for the decisions of the family and the teaching of their religion.  One of the secrets passed from patriarch to patriarch is the name of Phylun the Shade.  The Slanada's don't know about the true power of the name.  They only know that they can use it to summon him, but they do so only in dire times when they feel his "counsels" are needed.

Axis is an angry man, often ranting and raving about the smallest of things and often threatens to summon the Shadow to deal with clan members he is displeased with.  While he has never summoned the Shadow, he has sacrificed a number of family members to it.

Axis is a small, greasy man.  He seldom sits as the skin on his legs and backside is severely afflicted.  Axis also has a lung disorder that makes him tire easily and makes his breathing a loud, rattling gasp.

Alenia (45, female)Alenia is the plant-woman, the one in charge of the

lore of herbs and is responsible for maintaining the meager gardens of the family.  Most of her herb skills are based on making ineffective, random concoctions.  More than one person has died from her cures.

Alenia believes her position gives her some authority.  Alenia often orders others around.  She is seldom listened to however and she is often beaten and raped by angry kin.

Her face is deformed, having a toad-ish look to it.  She has balding patches on her scalp and her left breast has mostly rotted off.

Dartee (24, male)Dartee makes most of the tools for the family,

everything from spears and bows, to shovels and hoes.  He is bald and his ears malformed, leaving him nearly deaf.  As such he seldom talks and is of a quiet personality.

Gibber (32, female)Gibber does little more than produce babies for the

family and weighs close to 300lbs.  She has lost a hand to the festering skin condition they suffer from.  Her last 4 births have been still born and she fears she may soon be sacrificed.  She is very obedient and does all she can to keep in Axis' good graces.

Tover (18, male)Tover was once one of the better hunters of the

family.  He has recently begun to suffer from a wasting

disease and can do little but sit around and mutter to himself.  He will probably soon be sacrificed.

Huy (26, male)Huy suffers severely from the skin condition and the

fingers on his left hand are fused together into a festering, malformed mitten.  Despite this and being somewhat dim witted, he his a deadly hunter and unnaturally strong.

Dandirti (65, female)Dandirti is the elder of the family.  Her entire face is

rotted and she suffers severe bouts of delirium.  In her fleeting moments of lucidity, she is a crafty and intelligent woman.  She has mothered many of the surviving family members.

Krafe (22, female)Krafe works mostly in the field and is one of the

more bloodthirsty of the family.   She often performs the sacrifices and is a viscous fighter.  She was born with an extra finger and toe on each hand and foot, and has an enormously pronounced overbite.  She is one of the few who doesn't suffer from Slanada skin.

She spits when she talks and is very aggressive.  She enjoys the taste of blood and has more than once cut clan members and drank their blood.

Lindis (15, male)Lindis spends much of his time in the woods.  He is

a stalker of great skill and is often called "Shadow Son" by the family.  He is nearly blind in sunlight, but has a very developed night vision and as such is mostly nocturnal.

At night, he is an accomplished marksman with the family's crossbow (where they got it is forgotten).  Lindis spends much of his time in Hargeth and on the outskirts of Kathane.  He is adept at finding and stealing away with game from Kathane's forest and stray sheep or pigs.

Lindis walks with a slight limp.  Last summer he was shot in the leg by Jorsch the Woodward of Kathane.  Being a small person, extraordinarily hairy and clothed in tattered clothes Jorsch mistook him as the "Gargun" he shot.  Lindis hopes to find Jorsch and kill him, but he cannot see well during the day and Jorsch seldom stays in the woods at night.

Corgor (30, male)Corgor is a dullard who has the capacity of a small

child.  He worships Axis and serves him unthinkingly.  He is rather strong but his left leg is significantly shorter

than the other, giving him a pronounced "ape like" gait.  Corgor has rotted skin over his back and seldom wears any clothes at all.  He often makes a low gulping sound as he walks aimlessly around.

Frundis (24, male)Frundis is a brutal hunter.  His small stature allows

him to lie in wait for his prey and club it.  His right arm never grew past the elbow and his matted hair grows past his waist.

Mika (23, female)Mika is responsible for watching the children of the

family.  She has severe skin with almost her whole body covered with rotted skin and smells the worst of the family.  Often Mika is afflicted with various ailments due to her open sores. She is a cruel sadist and often molests and abuses the children in her charge.  Mika is currently 5 months pregnant.

OthersThere are other children: Adra, Nand, Ookor, Newis,

and Freen who are 12, 10, 8, 8, and 3 respectively.   They are all filthy, ill-behaved, and somewhat malnourished.