The strength of Bordevar is found in many places. It can be found in its traditions, both those inherited from Drummond, and those forged in the blood of King Bordevar’s conquests. It can be found in the raw strength-at-arms of its people, be they knightly or commonfolk. It can be found in the stubbornness, that dogged determination that keeps them holding on one season after another.
But for many, this strength has been used to put Bordevarian concerns aside while they shoulder the weight of its ignorance. Bordevar CAN hold, so it becomes Bordevar MUST hold, while other nations, groups, causes, and fights are brought to the forefront, due to the weakness of their abilities, not their strength.
As 226 becomes a year not of future concern, but present problem, Bordevar and the entire Concord considers how long it can rely on Bordevar putting the needs of the many before the needs of the few, or how long Bordevar can tell themselves this, before something comes to a head.
Prosper Evermore
In the northern villages of the Kingdom, where the morning dew catches on glinting sunlight, and parents warn their children not to venture too close to the border with The Weald lest they be snatched away, a collection of voices ring out. Their recitations bounce off the cobblestone streets that lead into the township of Carningsfield, common voices melding with Noble words somewhat dissonantly, but clear even through their occasional stumbles.
“People of The Kingdom of Bordevar,” the various voices say, capturing the attention of those in town squares, gathered in front of central inns, and leaving the dozens of small chapels dotted about the verdant landscape.
“The Wise Council was heartened to see the Heroes of The Kingdom gathered at the Spring Summit, with Councilor Igerne of Lakeshore, the Countess of Kaedwin, relaying her commendation for the grace and dignity that is still maintained by the people of Bordevar even when so far from home.”
“It was clear that the wellbeing of The Kingdom sits within the heart and soul of each and every one of these Heroes…
***
“...even if they couldn’t make a firm decision to save their lives,” the Countess’ voice cut through the concentrated quiet of the scribe’s rapid quill movement.
“Igerne, that is not what the people need to hear,” Councillor Count Jowel stated, his chortle barely contained behind his tutting.
“It is most certainly correct, however,” Igerne responded, eyebrow raised as if inviting a rebuttal. “They wish for the new monarch, whomsoever they would be, to sit below the Concordian Senate, but not be subservient to them - an intriguing concept that quite defies even a base understanding of governance.”
“Perhaps they are becoming somewhat too cosmopolitan in their close proximity to Lerona Mere,” the dry voice of Councillor Ser Artenor offered over his untouched glass of wine, prompting undignified huffs from the others about the table.
“At least they were firm in their determination to reclaim the Crownlands from the undead by all accounts,” Councillor Ser Ardenna stated, ever-collected and balanced. “And their cautious interest in the Fealties of Drummond is certainly founded given our collective history.”
Nods went about the table, followed by a sigh from Igerne as she turned to the scribe who had been waiting patiently.
“Perhaps something slightly gentler, such as …”
***
“...even if their words and methodologies were unclear at times.”
“For almost forty years, we as The Wise Council have kept Everguarde under our wing - maintained its industry, supported its commonfolk, and heartened its Nobility. In this time, the Duchy has prospered in many ways, its fields still verdant, and its people still hale and healthy, however it has also felt the absence of leaders that are truly its own.”
“In attendance to the Summit and discussions with the Nobles gathered, even through the muddiness of some, one statement rang through truly and deeply from all present - Everguarde is prepared to be a Duchy proper.”
“As such, The Wise Council are pleased to relinquish the responsibility of the Duchy to its people through its Duke and Sheriff - may Everguarde prosper evermore under their care and guidance.”
Even as the voices fade, the parchment upon which its words were inscribed are pinned to notice boards, then sentiment continues down the cobbled lanes. In the northern Duchy of the Kingdom, where crystalised magic and Lake Ladure alike catch on fading sunlight, and parents tuck their children safely into bed, hope rings out as true the light of Lumos.
Game Information
The realmic title ‘Duke/Duchess/Dukite of Everguarde’ will be available for election this Summit to any Bordevarian Noble whose current investment is within Everguarde. The title will be elected by a council of the Nobles who reside within the Duchy. The Duke of Everguarde will hold the title for two years from this date, requiring re-election at the Autumn Summit, 228AE.
The Seat of Everguarde is a humble estate on Caedom’s Dale, a naturally-occurring valley of crystalline gorse shrubs. It functions as a Tier 3 Leyline Investment. The Duke of Everguarde will also have mandates, but those are to be revealed to them alone.
At the same time, the Sheriff of Carningsfield title will be available to any Bordevarian commoner or Knight who resides within Everguarde. Elected by public vote of commoners in the Duchy, the Sheriff of Carningsfield acts as representative of the commonfolk of Everguarde and ensures that commerce and law within the region functions smoothly. The Sheriff of Carningsfield will hold their title for a year.
A Victim of my Wife’s Hateful Ambition
Markets are fickle things, often abused and seldom understood by those who serve in their shadows. 225 saw a single strange outbreak of Blasserstreit in a Bordevarian hamlet threaten to overturn the entire agricultural economy of the Kingless Kingdom. Truly, for a time it did so, as merchants sought wheat and rye in lesser amounts and at greater cost from the smaller farms of the Madre Campo and the wilder plantings of Bolsterlee. The market constricted, and the feared outbreak in Weiland never came. Yes, the agents of the Sheriff of Weiland were seen across the region, and yes, rumour spread like promised sickness, but without any actual event, these rumours burn through their life like the virulent Greenwealder plague.
And so matters return to normal. The market for agricultural goods in Weiland heals, quickly even, as hungry merchants seek to capitalise on overfull granaries and storehouses. Farm owners are only too happy to make up for last Season’s monetary shortfall and the fieldworkers breathe a sigh of relief as harvest bonuses arrive nearly half a year late for those nobles kind enough to remember that sort of thing. Taverns and town squares across Bordevar hold out-of-season harvest fetes in order to reclaim their lost time. But even these ironic celebrations fade into the busy work of early autumn’s preparations for the coming winter.
But there are those who do not quickly forget: King’s Rangers in taverns, paranoid Nobles in their keeps, gossiping townsfolk on their porches. A year past a town slipped into a bloody grave and the livelihood of thousands wavered, and just like a passing storm it is gone? Perhaps such is the nature of things when merchants and speculators hold the purse strings, but dour folk are inclined to think poorly of the world.
Besides, there’s a harvest to bring in…
Game Information
The harvest difficulties of 225 are passed, and farmers in Weiland can look forward to a late repayment for stored grain as Nobles and merchants buy up the excess supply. Farms in Weiland will find that they have produced slightly more this past Season. Noble characters with Farm investments will find that their investments have produced as if they were a tier higher.
The Ducal Council of Weiland declined to purchase a strategic reserve of grain allowing this excess wealth to flow back into the landowners of Weiland.
There will be a Conflux regarding this for the Sheriff of Weiland. This Conflux will be high danger, low accessibility, moderate intensity. Details will be made available to the Sheriff by letter.
Going to Die in this House
“Well I don’t much like the look of that.”
The foundation stone looked just as it had the Season before last, barely worn since the time it had been placed during construction, showing no sign of strangeness nor curse. The Arbington Constable gave Thomas Halter a side-eye glance before looking back to the stone, trying to believe the previous report given.
“It looks a mite better than it did before. I swear, you should have seen it, all maggots and rot,” Thomas offered, as if it made sense compared to the perfectly sound foundation before them. The Constable glared at him and rubbed the bridge of her nose.
“If it weren’t for the news our Sheriff got ‘bout it, I’d clip you upside the head for spouting nonsense. Whatever it was, it’s gone now and good riddance. You got anything else to report?” The Constable’s look at Thomas was one not too different to one looking at a child who cried wolf.
“Actually, since you asked….”
Constable Kelly Poll’s sigh could almost be heard from the ramparts far above.
-=-=-=-
The five Bordeforts of Starscar hold the line against the Onyx Aristocracy. The vigilance and martial skills of those who man the defences ensure at least some amount of safety for the people of Weiland, and this is no small task taken lightly. There is a strain felt by the people of Bordevar who gladly take up this position. There is a constant pressure, real or otherwise, to safeguard the Realm against the forces of the dead. This pressure breeds concerns, and it is these concerns that pull at the mind as the weight of the task continues to drag down and down.
And so, when the Constables come knocking on the orders of the Sheriff of Arbington, these concerns come spilling out in droves. What was originally an investigation into the strange unknown curse dubbed Foundations to Rot instead became a greater peer into the Borderforts as individual places of Bordevarian interest. Once the first question was asked, it would soon become difficult to stem the flood of reports, rumours and more that finally felt free to come from those that worked the Forts; a clear case of those who previously felt unable to vocalise the weight of pressures felt by their circumstance.
It is no surprise that the people of each Fort - those of Gray Keep, The Keep of the Horned Count, Caelin’s Barrack, Peregrine’s Roost and The Oaken Keep - are each and every one of them facing their own struggles. From logistical concerns of arms, armour, upkeep and more, to the simple worries of a people far from home and safety. There would not be one simple issue with which to easily contend, but instead a variety that would spread far and wide. The Constables of Arbington would collate what they could, but once the floodgate had opened, all of Weiland would swiftly become involved in one way or another.
The people of Bordevar would share this burden finally, finding their weaknesses together so that the border can remain strong. Whether this mass sharing of concerns would hinder or help would remain to be seen, but not a single soul would ignore or trivialise the words of those who finally felt a weight lifting from them.
The Borderforts still stand, strong and defiant.
For now.
Game Information
After the scare of a magical curse that temporarily damaged the Borderforts of Starscar, the Sheriff of Arbington issued an investigation in the hopes of combatting such foul magics in the future, or at least to learn more. After discovering the curse had all but disappeared, as if it was never there in the first place, the efforts were instead refocused into identifying weaknesses and concerns in each of The Forts themselves, and searching for any opportunities for improvements.
Word of such things would quickly spread across Weiland, as the people of The Borderforts finally feel free to share their burdens with their fellow Bordevarians.
The results of the investigation will be presented to the Sheriff of Arbington, and additional opportunities or information will be presented to various Bordevarian Titles and Enterprises, representing the wide reach the sharing of the Borderfort’s burdens has across Weiland.
While there are no public requests for investment or expense as yet, it is expected that this will change during the coming Season. Those Characters interested in The Borderforts and the safety of the border between Weiland and Royal Bordevar are encouraged to seek out the Sheriff and other Titleholders of Bordevar at this coming Summit.
We Give Our Steel, Our Blood, Our Souls
“Are you ready?”
With a simple nod, the shouting began. It was not some battlecry, nor warning. It was the shouting of silence. The desire to quiet a crowd by making oneself louder than it. A talent possessed by many, but applied effectively by few. Ser Wendel knew he could rely on his fellow leaders to find someone good at both.
A straightening of the back, a resolving of the inner turmoils, the preclusion of anxiety. A few steps and the top of a wooden stage becomes the world for but a few seconds. Then dawn’s upon the simple Knight those gathered before him, for they would be his world and he theirs. This moment would not last forever, but Spheres if he wasn’t going to make it worth every second.
“Bordevar!” His voice ringing loud and clear through the warm air of early evening.
“You know who I am. You know who we are. You know what it is we seek to do.”
A smattering of muted cheers throughout the crowd punctuate his sentences for him. He knows who he speaks for, and they know what is expected of them in return.
“Our numbers grow, near triple now, thanks to the support of Heroes! Through Church and Council, Coin and Courage! The sword in your hand is a gift, my friends. Use it well!”
The rattle of steel fills the air. Arms and armour, tested against their own like or heavy fists. Battered to show their worth, raised to show their presence.
“Tomorrow we prepare to march again into Draemoor. But tonight? Tonight we drink!”
Raucous laughter and cheering, no longer possible to be muted or silenced, answers the call of the coming evening. But all knew there was one more call to come. One more question to answer. One more pledge to make.
“Barrow Hounds! When tomorrow comes, when you stand face to face with death, what will you give for country and home?”
The resounding cry would near tear the eardrums of all present.
“OUR STEEL! OUR BLOOD! OUR SOULS!”
-=-=-=-
Two years remain until Royal Bodevar has been promised to be under the control of its rightful rulers.
Ambitions towards such a task are not rare. It matters little whether the hearts that hold them are heroic or otherwise. Never has this been more clear than in The Barrow Hounds. But they do not work alone. They simply cannot. This past Summit saw Ser Wendel the Brigand, one of the appointed leaders of the motley band of common fighters, write to his heroic kin. To the Ducal Council and the Sheriff of Arbington. He wrote with requests, but most importantly he wrote with a plan.
This plan would spread like wildfire through the common people of Starscar, Heartsgrave and Everguarde alike. The plan to take Draemoor. The plan to bring the fight to The Onyx Aristocracy, come hell or high water.
Bordevar’s heroes would not leave The Barrow Hounds wanting. The Sheriff would raise a sum of coin greater than One Vault, being more than enough to outfit the existing common fighters with better supplies and equipment but also being enough to simply equip new members as they joined. The Ducal Council would sign its declaration of support towards the cause, giving Wendel and his fellow leaders more than just empty words when recruiting for their foray into Draemoor. The Duke of Starscar would even personally invest the resources of The Vaulderin Armoury to support heroic military investments who would join The Barrow Hounds, two of which would join them on this great incursion even before the Season was done.
But most importantly for the cause, and most publicly, was the Church Motion penned by Lord Lanval. The signed, voted on and passed Motion that not only supports the actions of The Barrow Hounds, but encourages others to join their efforts. This was the true reason that saw their numbers swell far beyond what was expected. This was the true reason that they had become a force that truly believed in their actions.
Supported by all requested measures and more, the plan could proceed.
The leadership of this common movement would happily share their plans with all, but knew that this first step would be perhaps one of the hardest. Over this coming Season, The Barrow Hounds would seek to establish a true foothold in Draemoor, one from which they could stage attacks on enemy routes into the Duchy and eventually launch an assault on the largest township in the territory, Bloodmarsh itself.
With continued support, and plenty of bloodshed, The Barrow Hounds pledged to have Draemoor taken without the need of an army in Three Seasons. This cannot be done alone.
The Duchy of Draemoor is more dangerous than ever. Whatever strange tricks the undead enemy pulled last Season, now they mounted a full resistance. While no entire army has as yet been put toward seeing Bordevar repulsed, it would be futile to pretend that the fighting was not, or will not be, harsh and defiant. The Onyx Aristocracy will not see Draemoor fall out of control without a fight, and common Bordevarians will die before the purple flag is planted in Bloodmarsh.
This is a miniature war, fought over months and months. The people of Bordevar believe in it as a worthy cause. There is a grim determination in the air. A frenetic energy. A will to see a task done, no matter the challenge in doing so.
Will they die for naught?
Game Information
The heroic delegation of Bordevarians, and possibly those from other Realms, put a great deal of support towards the actions and intent of The Barrow Hounds. This support, coming in a variety of forms, has led to a mass growth in this group of commonfolk, which is sorely needed as they begin their mass incursions into Draemoor.
Taking control of a fortified location within the Duchy, one half cleared by the heroic delegation, and utilising it as a foothold sees The Barrow Hounds well and truly fighting and dying against the undead of The Onyx Aristocracy. The following Characters who supported them during Downtime will receive further information on their involvement in the fighting;
- Lorgar Aurelian
- Belmont Johnson
There will be additional opportunities for Military Investments of any Realm to assist the Barrow Hounds during Downtime after this Summit, thanks to the Ducal Action of The Duke of Starscar. Any Military Investment can take the Public Special Action “Fight Further Into Draemoor”. Due to the greater resistance posed by the undead, this Action is expected to be dangerous, and may result in damaged Investments and Traumatic Wounds for those attending. More details for this Special Action will be posted with the Interlude Page after Summit, and given to The Champion of the King at Summit.
There will be further opportunities or information regarding The Barrow Hounds for The Ducal Council and The Sheriff of Arbington. There is not expected to be a Conflux to assist with the push into Draemoor this Summit.
Looking a Gift Mage in the Mouth
The Carningsfield Arms were busy, but not overwhelmingly so when Luther carried the three flagons of beer back to the small round table that he and his friends Oswald and Benjamin had posted up at. A bard was just beginning to perform and the whole tavern had a warm energy to it, if a slightly nervous one.
“So how has your study under Ser Vincent been?” He asked, slurping the foam off the top of his beer noisily.
“Easy since the change.” Babbled Benjamin as he gulped down nearly a third of his pint in one set of chugging motions.
“The change? What's that?” Was Luther’s response, still vaguely disinterested.
“We can see magic now. All the time. Everyone can.” came Oswald’s smiley retort, as if he was informing Luther. As Luther spat his foam all over the table, Oswald corrected himself;
“Well all the mages can.”
“What!? Why? How? Since when?” Luther’s response had all the organisation of the top quarter of his drink, now spread across his two friends.
“What do you mean?” Responded Benjamin as he wiped off his lapel and took another slug of his Uppman’s Dark.
“What do you mean ‘what do I mean?’? How long can you see all magic?!”
“Oh. Uhhh, since last month maybe? Never really questioned it.” Came Benjamin's disinterested candor. He looked across to Oswald who shrugged in agreement.
“WHAT?!”
-
In a land of strange happenings and general magical confusion, people tend to become quite malleable. So when mages across Everguarde began observing the movement of magic energy more often, to a near constant amount, they shrugged and went on spellcasting. It wasn’t until someone from out-of-town pointed out that this might be cause for concern that anyone really considered it and passed it on to the Duke’s household, before promptly continuing with their day.
Game Information
All characters based in Everguarde with the Magus Skill are under the following effects:
- They now know the ‘Detect Magic’ spell
- They may cast the ‘Detect Magic’ spell for no mana cost.
- Whenever they cast ANY spell, they MUST swift cast it if possible, spending the full amount of swift cast mana.
There will be decisions relating to this strange goings on for the Sheriff of Carningsfield and the Duke of Everguarde.
See Also: