In early Dark season, we were summoned to Oak to speak with the chieftain about a pressing matter. To our surprise, it was Korol Serpent Tongue, returned to life after the Battle of the Queens, who needed our help.
ojo
Freezeday, Disorder Week, Dark Season 1626
A Varmandi acquaintance, Sarkalor Brewer, arrived in Apple Lane at the beginning of Dark season to summon us to Oak at the behest of the chieftain. The quirky stickpicker, Obrast, a young Ernaldori who had recently arrived in Apple Lane and has been sweeping the stables at the Tin Inn for his supper, came with us. To our surprise, Sarkalor revealed that the chieftain was, in fact, Korol Serpent Tongue, who we thought had died at the Battle of the Queens; indeed, he had but the Varmandi brought him back, Sarkalor told us. We departed the next morning for Oak, where we met Korol in the Badger Den, the village house. After properly greeting us, he invited us inside for food and drink. Though in good spirits, we could see the great scar across his left eye where a Lunar kopi had taken him. After our needs were cared for, he told us of his problems.
With the death of the Kallyr, Amalda, and Ranulf, the kingdom was not at peace and the tribes and clans, in absence of stong leadership, were settling scores and taking risks. The Varmandi, their magic stretched thin after bringing Korol back from hell, were struggling against their enemies, the Orlevings of the Malani. The Orlevings, Korol said, had stolen cattle, sheep, and supplies from the tula. Though no one had yet been killed, a Varmandi steadhouse had been burned to the ground and the clan was itching to settle that score. Though Korol clearly wished to paint the Varmandi as hard-put upon, even through his dissembling we knew that the clan was raiding the Orlevings with equal vigor already. It seemed only a matter of time before someone got killed and these tit-for-tat cattle raids exploded into a blood feud.
But his most pressing concern – the one that really brought us here – was news that someone, the Malani Orlevings most likely, had taken up residence in Tarkalor’s Keep. Stretched thin by events, Korol asked us to visit the keep, scout out the intruders, and deal with them if possible. While Korol indicated he’d be satisfied if we just killed them, his wife, Meima Greenlips, suggested that perhaps we could simply drive them off and reclaim the keep for the Varmandi - there was no need to incite a blood feud if there was another way to solve the problem.
We spent the night in Oak in the Badger Den and left the next morning for the keep.
ejo
Clayday, Disorder Week, Dark Season 1626
When we were within sight of the keep, we could easily tell that it was occupied, as Korol had said. While we hid down the slope amongst the spruce trees, we saw plenty of activity. There were watchers on the battlments. Around midday, two figures, bundled against the cold and carrying baskets but unarmed, came out of the fort to gather blueberries. Later, a man-at-arms, carrying a spear and shield clearly painted with the Disorder j
rune, left the fort to relieve himself over the cliff.
We waited until nightfall, when the occupants lit their fires, to approach. It was a long, cold wait, but at least it was not snowing yet. Berrik approached first, checking the midden to estimate the numbers of the intruders and taking care to not be seen by the watchers on the battlements. Finding the wooden gate to the keep barred, he found us another way in through a crumbling hole in the southern wall of the fort.
Inside, we could hear the occupants above us, gathered and probably eating together. One of them patrolled the ground floor, keeping watch and peering out the murder holes. His attention to duty failed him when Andrinor flew and pinned him to the ground through the leg. Our silent arrows stifled his cries before he could be raise an alarm.
Though we spilled blood, the man looked to be an outlaw and, fortunately for us, no one would seek his weregild.
Places and People
The Varmandi
The Varmandi are a small clan of the Colymar tribe of around 450 members. Their lands are near Apple Lane. Their main settlement is Oakton, a small walled village surrounding the Oak of Vengeance (which is the clan’s cult sanctuary). They have a long history of bloody feuds, especially with the Orleving clan of the Malani tribe. The Varmandi are notorious for having started several tribal wars with their feuds.
The clan has comparatively little arable land—only about 60 hides worth. Most of the clan’s wealth is in the form of their livestock. Some of the animals are needed for plowing and daily support, but the Varmandi keep about 400 cattle and 1200 sheep in the hills. Of these, some 100 cattle belong to the tribal Orlanth temple (whose high priest is the tribal king) and are sacred to the local Orlanth cult. The livestock graze primarily in the Gejay Hills, which often puts them in conflict with the neighboring Malani tribe, specifically the Orleving clan.
Korol Serpent Tongue geoj
Wind Lord of Orlanth. Male, age 38. Clan chief and wyter priest.
Korol has been the chief of the Varmandi since 1622 after the Great Winter, and his aggression and violence have given the Varmandi the space to herd sheep and cattle in the Stael hills, as they wish. He has made no friends outside the clan in doing this, but he cares little for that.
Korol is a famous poet and singer, whose reputation for razor-like wit matches his reputation for violence. He also has a reputation as a gracious host who respects Orlanth’s Hospitality almost to a fault.
Korol fell to a Lunar kopi near Kallyr when she was assassinated at the Battle of the Queens. However, the Varmandi so loved their chieftain they summoned him back from the dead.
Meima Greenlips eol
Priestess of Ernalda. Female, age 42. Wife of Korol.
Meima has been married to Korol twice, having had her first marriage ended when he was made an outlaw. He is her first, and third, husband. Meima is far calmer than her husband, but encourages much of his aggression, so that she can negotiate with other clans from a position of strength.
Meima is a famous beauty, and she is recognized as one of the most beautiful women in the Colymar, perhaps in all of Sartar. Originally from the Hiordings, she found a kindred spirit in Korol, who is very unlike her more peaceful kinfolk. She has a reputation for ambitiousness, deviousness, and dagger-like political instincts.
She deeply loves Korol, and he loves her back, and this is evident to anyone who sees them together. They form a formidable and powerful partnership.
Fenrel Three Wars e,
Initiate of Orlanth and Sartar. Male, age 55. Innkeeper at Three War Inn and brewer.
Fenrel has lived through three wars and will tell people about them; the Lunar Invasion, Starbrow’s Rebellion, and Liberation of Sartar. Everyone in Oakton knows that he kept well away from all of them, but he makes good beer, and gives good advice – if people want to take the advice of a coward.
Fenrel and Sarkalor Brewer are friends, and the men have collaborated on several brews together and engage in a friendly game of oneupmanship with their seasonal brews. Fenrel’s knowledge of the craft and experience far outstrips Sarkalor’s; however, Sarkalor’s recent harvest brew is the current favorite on tap at the Three War Inn. Fenrel has promised a very special secret beer for the Sacred Time celebrations in response.
Foundry Chat Log