S'mon' s Yggsburgh Blog: The Nobles

Timeline

2384 AUC: Death of Volstadd VIII, end of the Volstadd Line. The Lords of the far-flung Realm are unable to agree on a successor, decades of civil war follows. The Realm splits into many smaller territories.

2389 AUC: As war rages in the south, the red dragon Vermithrag stakes out a domain in northern Herdley.

2399 AUC: The red dragon Vermithrag defeats and critically wounds the hero Kal on Dragon Ridge. Kal is tended to by a mysterious 'White Lady'.

2400 AUC: Recovered from his wounds, Kal undergoes many great quests until at last he faces and defeats Vermithrag, building his own fortress of Kallent atop the dragon's bones. Founding of the County of Kallent.

2416 AUC: With resources and men greatly depleted after thirty years of war, the Civil War slowly subsides.

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2712 AUC = 96 YY M4 = AD 2011 M12 on Earth - Garrick & co rescue Tabitha & Gertrude Kallent from brigands (campaign start). 15/9/96 = AD 2012 M8 - funeral of Earl Kallent.
2713 AUC = 97 YY = AD 2013 on Earth. Following Kallent's conquest of Herdley, the River Lands of Kallent, Redfort and Yggsburgh form a defensive alliance against the threat of Dunfalcon, Talworth and Easmoor.

2716 AUC = 100 YY = AD 2016 on Earth. Election to the Mayoralty of Yggsburgh; Sir Ulrich Hawkes elected Mayor of Yggsburgh.

HOUSE OF HAWKES

Yggsburgh pg 56

Sir Ulrich Hawkes: (YY 46-) A powerful knight of Yggsburgh, husband to Winifred, and head of the House of Hawkes. His villa lies on Scrivner Street, just north of the Schools District. Ulrich is muscular and a little stout, florid faced with a bristling moustache and oft a twinkle in his eye. Sir Ulrich's three children all have his auburn hair. His extensive holdings include the Yggsburgh Shipwright and Rope-maker, and estates in the South Fields, with vineries on the slopes south of Serpent Ridge, lair of the dragon Black Fang (to whom the Hawkes send a weekly one-sheep tribute, M9 96 YY). Of relatively humble origins, Hawkes has a keen eye for opportunities of all kinds. He is an old friend of Sir George Kallent, as young men (69-71 YY) they fought together in the Holy Crusade against the Paynims who had overrun the Holy Land in north-eastern Neria, returning to the Realm with much plunder. Ulrich once (70 YY) saved Sir George from an Easterling assassin, and later married his sister Winifred. Ulrich himself did not have a College education, but is keen on it for all his children and in-laws; he is a friend of the Right Honourable Hektor Markle, President of the College. Ulrich's Esquire is Lars Frank, a veteran warrior.
Hawkes' downstairs maid, Florence ('Flo') is attractive, dark-haired, buxom and shapely. The Hawkes' maids uniform is distinctly skimpy. M11 97 YY she was getting a belly-bump and was sent south to Kallent.

Madam the Lady Winifred Hawkes-Kallent: (YY 51-), plump, a member of the blue blooded Kallent clan. The wealthy County of Kallent lies between the Barony of Redfort and County of Herdley on the Dunfalcon Pike. She is sister of Dame Gertrude and Sir George Kallent. Winifred is the affable and calm wife to Sir Ulrich Hawkes, a knight of Yggsburgh; they married in YY 72 following his return from the Holy Land, and her eldest child Marcus was born the following year. She has 3 children:

1. Lt Marcus Hawkes: (YY 73-), a graduate of Yggsburgh College (YY 94) and now a Lieutenant in the Citadel Guard of Yggsburgh. He married in YY 95, to Genevieve. Marcus is regarded as a competent, serious soldier (albeit without combat experience), but rather in the shadow of his famous father. Friendly with Sir Percifal Maltofor (RIP 96) and Sir Edward Kallent.

Alicia Hawkes

2. Alicia Hawkes: (YY75-), pretty, elegant, occasionally petulant. Alicia graduated from the College of Yggsburgh (Academy of Arts) in mid 97, and her father Sir Ulrich is looking to get her a suitable husband. Alicia was quite taken with the Elf maid Morgana (87 on d%). Alicia was head of the Yggsburgh College Sorority YY 96-97.

3. Barnaby Hawkes: (YY 78-), slim, rather hawk-like, hair held back by silver braid. In YY 96 Barnaby began his studies at the College of Yggsburgh, and is taking classes at the Academy of Magic. Though it is not yet clear whether he has sufficient talent in the Art to be a Magic-User, as of 100 YY he is showing some progress.

In-Laws

Genevieve Hawkes (Cliswell)

Genevieve Hawkes (nee Cliswell), (YY 74-), a very shapely young woman with dark wavy hair and a rather saucy demeanour. Wife of Lt Marcus Hawkes, she is a commoner by birth, being the daughter of Sgt Major Otto Cliswell of the Citadel Guard. She comes from a very large family, and it is rumoured was selected by Sir Ulrich more for her presumed fertility than for any great romance between the happy couple. Genevieve is now also studying at Yggsburgh College, with a focus on Deportment.
In M8 YY 97 Genevieve gave birth to a healthy baby girl, christened Ulrika after her grandfather Sir Ulrich, and has accordingly suspended her studies. Their second daughter Marcella was born M7 99, and a third child (also predicted to be a daughter) is expected M12 100 YY.

HOUSE OF KALLENT

Earls of Kallent have ruled the County Kallent for twelve generations, since the Hero Kal the Dragonslayer defeated Vermithrag the Red Drake of Kallent in its cave lair atop the Kallent Rock at the north-east end of Dragon Ridge, where now stands mighty Castle Kallent. They tend to distrust the Counts of Herdley (Herdley/Arleigh clan), seen as powerful but decadent, and keenly maintain their independence from the Kings in Royal Dunfalcon. They have good relations with the trade city of Yggsburgh, to the north beyond Redfort. The limestone escarpments of eastern Kallent (Oak Ridge, Blacktooth Ridge) are still wild, and riddled with cavern networks from which periodically issue forth hordes of orcs, goblins and other foul beasts. The Kallent have several vassal lands, most notably the Baronies of Aldrun and Grane. With her vassal lands it is said Kallent can put two thousand men in the field (1,200 Kallent, 400 each Aldrun & Grane), enough to match Herdley.

Territory and Revenue
The core Kallent territories - County Kallent, and the Kallent Marches to the north-east bordering Redfort - currently extend some 18 miles from Castle Kallent to south-west, 33 miles to the north-east, and averages some 80 miles east-west, covering around 3,600 square miles, with total, approximately 2,400 square miles farmland. Over 90% of this territory is enfieffed to lesser noble vassals, or is held by yeomen in freehold, both thus owing military service to the Earl; the Barons of Aldrun and Grane are also vassal, with their territories sub-enfieffed in turn. Some 200 square miles of farmland is Rieved directly by the Earl, mostly around villages in the Nemo river valley, this producing cash and crops for Castle Kallent rather than knights and yeomen-at-arms. This 'crown land' has a population of some 20 peasant families per square mile, generating a monthly gross revenue in the order of 7sp/family or 140sp/square mile, thus 28000sp/month, or 1,400gp. Maintenance of Castle Kallent and its staff runs about 600gp/month, with the maintenance of the Kallent family another 300gp/month, and the direct salary of the Castle Guard 300gp/m, giving an operating cash surplus of some 200gp/month. The Kallent Treasury has been built up over generations and typically holds around 16,800gp by value, with about 300,000sp in silver (=15,000gp) and the remaining 1,800gp in gold.

Castle Kallent
Castle Kallent, seat of power of the Earls of Kallent, is situated upon a high wooded crag overlooking the village of Midgrove with its Basket of Pears coaching inn, and the broad River Nemo two miles to the west across the meadowlands. More than two hundred people dwell there, including a standing garrison of fifty veteran men-at-arms (36 Men 4gp/m, 8 Corporals 6gp/m, 4 Serjeants 10gp/m, Master Serjeant Oseus Pyke the Master-at-Arms 20gp/m, a doughty old veteran, commanded by Guards Captain Sir Reginald Mainwaring 40gp/m, plus misc expenses 8gp/m), plus around a dozen knights and other warriors. The men-at-arms are typically equipped with plate armour and halberd, and can also use crossbows. On cavalry patrol they use lances, shields, and longswords. While the Earl is on campaign the minimum garrison comprises 9 Men, 2 Corporals, 1 Serjeant, and Master Serjeant Pyke, a formidable fellow.
The Dunfalcon Pike runs between the castle and the river, SW to Dunfalcon and NE to Redfort and Yggsburgh. Castle Kallent lies precisely midway between Yggsburgh and Dunfalcon, some 75 miles from each, and 50 miles from both Castle Redfort to the NE and Castle Herdley to the SW. Midgrove is also the location of the St Trinia's Finishing School for Girls. East of Midgrove is Hortish, a smaller village - the big redhaired blacksmith Jim Poll-Ax is Reeve there. Recently the woods near Hortish have been troubled by brigands, such as the dastardly Oskar Fitch (dec'd).

George, the Earl Kallent: (YY 45-), the robust Sir George is second child and male heir to the County of Kallent. As a young man he crusaded in the Holy Land against the Paynims (YY 69-71), where Ulrich Hawkes saved him from an assassin's blade (YY 70). The two became lifelong friends, and in YY 72 Ulrich married George's younger sister Winifred (above). He is regarded as affable but not particularly bright, and strongly influenced by his strong-willed elder sister Dame Gertrude. Succeeded his uncle Byron as Earl 15/9/96 YY.

~~Byron~~, the former Earl Kallent: The venerable (YY 10-96) Earl of Kallent, a wealthy rural County between Yggsburgh and Dunfalcon. He had no heir, a childhood injury having rendered him infertile. Deceased 15/9/96, succeeded as Earl by his nephew Sir George Kallent.

Dame the Lady Gertrude Kallent: Unmarried spinster, stout middle-aged woman (YY 43-), prim & proper - some might say a harridan. Cousin of former Earl Byron, and sister to both the Earl Sir George Kallent, an eminent knight, and Madam the Lady Winifred Hawkes of Yggsburgh. She has a homely maid, Molly, and manservant, Grigor.

Sir Audley Fortescue of Holdcut

Countess Tabitha Kallent (nee Fortescue) (YY 46-), is Earl George's wife, and mother to his four children. She is unremarkable but for her strong interest in embroidery that some say borders on obsession. The Fortescue are a family of Kallent gentry, with a manor at Holdcut. Countess Tabitha's brother Sir Audley Fortescue is the lord, married to the lady Grace. Audley has five sons, including Sir Cadwal 'the Bastard' (PC), who fell battling an owlbear near the Copse Wood 28/10/97. She is currently (95 YY+) working on a 30' tapestry that will depict the Kallent's triumph over the Black Rune orcs at Oak Ridge. The Countess has four children:

Lady Helen Kallent

1. Lady Helen Kalent (YY 72-): The fair and willowy Helen is the eldest of the four Kallent children, born 9 months after her father's return from the Holy Land in YY 71. Highly intelligent and thoughtful, she has proven a little reluctant to marry, and has had many suitors competing for her hand, including the brave Sir Percifal Maltovor. Lady Helen's best friend from St Trinia's Finishing School is the glamorous Cassandra Starling, of the Little Aimswick Starlings.
M10 97 YY - Helen seems to have taken quite a liking to the mysterious Mr Shade...

2. Sir Edward Kallent (23/1/YY 74-): Second child, only son, and principal heir to Sir George, Edward is a strong-minded, brave and capable fellow, with a sardonic wit. He won his spurs in YY 95 at the Battle of Oak Ridge when the Kallent defeated a large tribe of invading Hill Orcs, the Black Rune, and their ogre allies, who threatened eastern Kallent. Edward personally slew 12 orcs. Later that year he married Catherine of the deLacy, a well-regarded family of eastern Kallent gentry, and she had their first child, Edward Jnr (M9 YY 96). Edward was a friend of the heroic ~~Sir Percifal Maltovor~~, they fought together at Oak Ridge, Percifal was among those knights who courted Edward's sister Helen. Sir Edward's retainer 'Angus' is actually Lord Thomas deRedfort (24) (PC), generally believed dead and incognito. Permanent limp from left leg damaged in encounter with the Swamp Troll.

Sir Edward Kallent

Update: Edward was believed dead following a battle with the Horsham Swamp Beast, M9 96 YY, but emerged from the swamp 21/9/96, having been saved by the mysterious spirit known as the White Lady of Kallent. In M9 YY 97 Edward led a daring raid against the Abbey of the Black Monks, lair of Odric the Black Priest, where he rescued Sir Garrick and Sweetrede. This was followed up 1/10/97 by the successful assault on Castle Herdley, killing of Odric, and capture of Countess Varuna.

Lady Tabitha Kallent

3. Lady Tabitha Kallent (jnr) (YY 77-): Niece of Dame Gertrude Kallent and third child of Sir George. A very shapely, pretty auburn-haired girl, in M4 96 YY Tabitha was sent by her father Sir George Kallent to study at the famed College of Yggsburgh, staying with Sir George's sister Winifred and Winifred's husband, Sir George's brother in law, Sir Ulrich Hawkes. Determined and loyal, Tabitha is clearly completely smitten with the warrior Garrick (natural 00 on d%). Tabitha married Sir Garrick of Yggsburgh (PC) 14/9/96 YY, but was initially believed widowed when he was captured and thought murdered by the Black Priest, the Anti-Cleric Odric. Reunited with him M9 YY 97. Tabitha & Garrick's first child, a son, was born M10 98 YY, their second a daughter in M12 99 YY.

Lady Maria Kallent

4. Lady Maria Kallent (YY 79-): Pretty, dark-haired and curvaceous, Maria is the youngest of the three Kallent daughters. She attennded St Trinia's Finishing School for Girls at Midgrove, and like her sister Tabitha enrolled in Yggsburgh College, M1 98 YY, expected graduation M1 101 YY.

Kallent House Family & Associates

Dame Catherine Kallent-deLacy - Young wife of Sir Edward Kallent. Apparently a widow when she gave birth to his son, also Edward, 15/9/96, but he later miraculously returned. In M9 97 YY she is expecting Edward's second child. Catherine gave birth to a second child M3 98 YY. The boy, Garrick, was born in M3 98 YY, rather weak and sickly. Catherine survived the birth against some expectations, but is unlikely to have more children.

~~Sir Percifal 'Percy' Maltovor~~ - heroic, rather naive Cavalier of Kallent, suitor of Helen Kallent. Injured battling a fell Ogre near Castle Zagyg Sir Garrick & co and his band of retainers. Friend of Sir Edward Kallent and Lt Marcus Hawkes. Percy fell in battle against the Horsham Swamp Troll 14/9/96.

Father Thadeus - wise and elderly Nerian priest of St Saranrae, the Chaplain at Castle Kallent. Looks a lot like Morgan Freeman.

Lana Greenvale

Lana Greenvale: A skilled Nemo Bargemistress from a clan of Norse traders now resident in the Lake Neme area, Lana has had her own barge since YY 96. Competent and brave. Sir Garrick Kallent offered her a position with the Kallent as reward for her aid in the freeing/capture of Countess Varuna and the killing of Odric the Black Priest. Like most bargees Lana generally goes topless in warm weather. 2/10/97 Lana's brother Arshan and his crew were found murdered on the Nemo, likely by raiders. Current crew (97-) are sturdy Corporal Middens of the Kallent Guard, and two Herdleymen sailors Joseph the Tanner and Brigs Lightsail.

Sir Hugh Orde

Sir Hugh Orde, "the Bear of Reditch". A doughty veteran knight, Sir Hugh is the third of three brother-knights of Reditch in the Barony of Aldrun. He has a reputation as a good, reliable soldier. Unmarried with several bastard offspring, he likes wine and women, but unlike Sir Gregor he generally keeps his appetites under good control. Sir Hugh acquitted himself well in the Battle of Castle Herdley against Odric's scum, personally killing six brigands and a bugbear of Odric in the upper halls, without injury. On 2/10/97 in Lana's barge Sir Hugh fell for the charms of the widow Beverly Arleigh, and was engaged to her from 3/10/97, marrying M4 98 YY.

Beverly Orde (nee Arleigh), ex captive, wife of Sir Hugh Orde

Beverly Orde (nee Arleigh) (f) - hostage, guest quarters. Eldest daughter of Baron Melchet Arleigh by his first wife. Captured on the Arleigh Stream 2/10/97, engaged to marry Sir Hugh Orde as of 3/10/97. Seemingly infatuated with her, he spent many hours in her quarters. They married M4 98 YY. As of 100 YY they have no children.

Charlotte: Elderly midwife at Castle Kallent, she delivered Sir Edward's sons with the aid of Father Thadeus. Worried Catherine may not survive another delivery.

Rabil Grom: Castle Kallent's Chief Butler - middle-aged, bald, efficient. Rabil administers the servants, announces visitors, etc.

Griswold the Bowmaster & Master Bowyer - grizzled Yggsburgh bowyer/fletcher. Arrived at Castle Kallent 11/10/97 in response to a call from Sir Garrick for men with his skills.Griswold is both an excellent bowman himself, and a master at the arts of making the yew longbow and fletching the cloth-yard shafts it employs.

Sir Garrick Kallent's Retinue

Lisa of Swansea, maid/scribe for Tabitha

Cheryle of Boston, Garrick's legal advisor

Lisa of Swansea and Cheryle of Boston are slave girls, originally from another world, rescued from Castle Herdley by Sir Garrick Kallent & co 1/10/97. In Kallent they wear short servants' dresses of unbleached linen. In 100 YY Lisa is being courted by Roger the Stablehand, a strapping young fellow.

Not Present

Cassandra Starling of Little Aimswick

Cassandra Starling, Dame, of the Little Aimswick Starlings, born 22/12/73 YY. Cassandra's father is long dead (YY 88), her mother Dame Judith died M4 YY 97 after a long illness, leaving Cassandra the Lady of Little Aimswick Manor. Pretty, very curvaceous, and sweet-natured. Cassandra has a fat maid, Martha, her former nursemaid, and was advised by her beloved mentor, the wise man Sweetrede (captured by Odric M9 YY 96; PC, rescued but then lost in spacetime 1/10/97). In YY 96 Cassandra was twice kidnapped by agents of Odric the Black Priest, but rescued both times, the first by Sweetrede & Sir Garrick (PCs), the second from a slave wagon by the assassin Shade and the elf-maid Morgana Maple (PCs) 24/9/96 just west of the Black Abbey, immediately before Morgana herself fell in battle. Earl George had intended to marry her to Sir Gregor Caskeham, but on 3/10/97 she was instead betrothed to brave Sir Cadwal Fortescue, the nephew of George's wife the Countess Tabitha Kallent-Fortescue. Sadly Cadwal perished against an owlbear 28/10/97, leaving her desolate again.

She subsequently (97-99, 2713-15) studied the Old Faith under Dame Heather of Flowerbrook, until suddenly vanishing one day in YY 99, arriving on a distant world known as Ghenrek IV to the Philosophers. Luckily she had studied well...

Princess Aole, daughter of Zahv

Princess Aole of Neria, daughter of Prince Zahv: On 2/10/97 the Nerian Cleric Princess Aole travelled to Castle Kallent from Yggsburgh to offer her services to Sir Garrick Kallent as a crusader against evil, in repayment of the debts she owes him for his part in saving her from slavers (M4 96 YY). Aole vanished in 99 YY while visiting Candice Wright in Yggsburgh, having been captured by the dimension-travelling Archmage Oriax.

Current Descent of Title - County of Kallent

(1) Direct male heir - Sir Edward Kallent, son of Earl George

(2) Direct male heir - the baby Edward, grandson of Earl George

(3) Direct female heir - Lady Helen, daughter

(4) Direct female heir - Lady Tabitha, daughter, wife of Sir Garrick

(5) Direct female heir - Lady Maria, daughter

(6) Sister - Dame the Lady Gertrude Kallent

(7) Sister - Madam the Lady Winifred Hawkes-Kallent, wife of Sir Ulrich

(8) Nephew - Marcus Hawkes, husband of Genevieve

(9) Ulrika, Marcus Hawkes' baby daughter
(10) Nephew - Barnaby Hawkes

(11) Niece - Alicia Hawkes

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HOUSE OF REDFORT

Lady Octavia de Redfort

The Barons of Redfort rule a substantial domain between Yggsburgh and Kallent from Castle Redfort, overlooking the village of Nearcliff with its Sun & Moon Inn, some 25 miles from Yggsburgh on the Dunfalcon Pike. The Baron's sister was kidnapped (M9 95 YY) from her pleasure barge

Donvil Abbey 'naughty nun'

by the pirate Gold Hal, and held for a full year, displayed by Hal as his ship's figurehead, until her eventual daring rescue by the dashing swordsman Andarc of Yggsburgh (11/9/96). Andarc and his comrades also captured Hal's deputy Bloody Rosie.

The Redfort are traditionally rivals of the Kallent, allied with Easmoor, and enemies of the powerful and sinister Margravy of Talworth. Along with the Counts of Easmoor they besieged Yggsburgh in the War of Independence -1 to 1 YY, and are still said to harbour ambitions towards that city. Redfort can field around 1,200 men.
Redfort includes Donvil Abbey, with its famous 'naughty nuns' - or so the tavern tales allege, for many daughters of noble and merchant families are sent there for immoral behaviour, and unfortunately the nuns' habits are not always efficacious in barring thoughts of Sin. The new (YY 97) Abbot, Father Jadis, has been recently sent to Donvil by Bishop Fraimd of Dunfalcon following the defrocking of Abbess Mara, rumoured to have been caught in flagrante with two farmhands from the village. He is said to be set on whipping the nuns into shape... Fr. Jadis is a friend of Fr. Thadeus of Kallent (qv).

Redfort and the Yggsburgh Borders

South-West Redfort and the Kallent Marches

Redfort Family

1. Lyle, the Baron Redfort, (YY 64-) Baron since 90 YY. An amibitious and active fellow, with numerous agents.

2. Lady Octavia deRedfort, (YY 71-) Sister of Baron Lyle Redfort, rescued M9/96. Octavia hates her younger brother Lord Thomas; he is believed dead in a tragic boating 'accident' shortly after the death of his father.

Associates

Tal Colton: This broad-shouldered yet lithe fellow with a neat blond beard is reputed to be Redfort's top agent and Spymaster.

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MARGRAVY OF TALWORTH

The vast and powerful Marchlands of Talworth have a sinister reputation for sorcery and even diabolism. The Marquis is known to truck with the Easterling kingdoms, and Talworth is a centre for the slave trade, many fair damsels sent east into captivity at the hands of cruel Easterling masters. Talworth can field at least 3,000 men on her own account, and the promise of loot can potentially raise thousands more Easterling mercenaries. Talworth is rumoured to be working with Dunfalcon to undermine Yggsburgh, Kallent and Redfort.

Edgar, Marquis Talworth

1. Edgar, Marquis of Talworth

Known vassals include:

2. Uvoll Darktarn, Wizard Lord of the Purple Tower at Dradvil

3. Horst Reindmann, Waldgraf of the Dire Forest

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COUNTY OF EASMOOR

The bleak heathlands and marshes of Easmoor are sparsely populated. Easmoor is known for its employment of fearsome mercenary cavalry; previously Easterlings such as the once dreaded General Asad, but now noble Northmen of the Rohiran. Much of Easmoor abuts the wealthier lands of Talworth to the south, though the borderlands are too rugged and mountainous for frequent conflict.
The River Nemo is navigable through Easmoor for fifty miles east of the Greet Leech Marsh to the town of Stoneford Meade, where it becomes rocky and shallow. North-east of Stoneford Meade the land rises up over thirty miles or so to the Border Hills, the source of the Nemo. The hills, a northwest spur of the Eastern Mountains, separate Easmoor from the Plains of the Rohiran. Easmoor can field around 1,500 men, plus up to around 500 Rohiran mercenary heavy cavalry.

The fortress of Bertram, Count of Easmoor, lies close to Stoneford Meade. In recent years he has permitted the growth of a slave market at Stoneford Meade, where women of the Realm are purchased for transport east into Easterling lands.

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COUNTY OF HERDLEY - UNDER KALLENT from 97 YY

From M2 98 YY Herdley's Count is the brutal Sir Gregor Caskeham, a vassal of Kallent. Far south-west Herdley is held by Dunfalcon. He employs Orc mercenaries from the eastern hills to crush dissent; they are rumoured to have murdered the Countess Varuna Herdley, his captive-wife and last of the Herdley line.

The wealthy County of Herdley lies between Kallent to the north-east and the Royal Domain of Dunfalcon around Lake Neme to the south-west. While large and powerful, Herdley is constrained by its proximity to the more populous Royal Domain and the ambitions of the Kings in Dunfalcon to add her as a vassal state. Castle Herdley lies only a few miles from the border of the Royal Domain.
The ancient, gothic pile of Castle Herdley overlooks the small town of Earlshurst, with the Armed Woman coaching inn. The extensive dungeons beneath Castle Herdley are said to hold many secrets, some best left unrevealed.

Herdley is sometimes seen as decadent by the other River Lords; slavery is common and unscrupulous slavers may sometimes seize victims from other nearby demesnes, a source of friction with Kallent in particular. There are also rumours of debauchery at Castle Herdley.
The major vassal of Herdley is the Barony of Ostavitch, on the edge of the eastern mountains. Ostavitch has a sinister reputation for night-haunted terrors, it is a land where doors and windows are locked and bolted at dusk. Herdley is populuous and can field around 2,000 men, with Ostavitch adding another 500.

Varuna, the young Countess Herdley, was in mourning over the death of her father Count Ludwig (YY 95). She is an only child, her mother the Countess-Mother Gerdya Herdley (nee Ostavitch) is believed infirm and bedridden (actually undead). In M8 YY 97 Odric the Black Priest captured Castle Herdley and imprisoned Varuna (Gerdya's fate unknown), but on 2/10/97 Sir Edward & Sir Garrick Kallent captured Castle Herdley, killed Odric, and took Varuna hostage themselves. She was later forcibly married to Sir Gregor Caskeham.

Sir Gregor Caskeham, the Count Herdley: This huge warrior from Caskeham in the Barony of Aldrun is the second son of Sir Vilius Caskeham. He is accounted by many the fiercest knight of all the Kallent bannermen. Ambitious and ruthless. he has a great liking for the ladies, a foul mouth and a less than chivalrous reputation. In return for his many great deeds on behalf of Kallent, Earl George had promised him Cassandra Starling's hand in marriage, but on 3/10/97 on Sir Edward's advice George engaged him to Countess Varuna Herdley instead, marrying M12 97 YY. When she 'passed away' M2 98 YY he became Count of Herdley.

Deceased

~~Countess Varuna of Herdley~~

~~Countess Varuna Herdley~~ (f) Captured from Odric in Castle Herdley 1/10/97. On Dame Gertrude's orders she was kept nude, hooded and chained in the Kallent dungeons, closely guarded by the jailors. Involuntarily engaged to marry Sir Gregor Caskeham as of 3/10/97. The Countess sadly passed away in M2 98 YY in Castle Herdley, leaving Caskeham as Count of Herdley. Rumour has it her brutal husband had her raped to death by Orcs.