Running Alamie

[Kell]

My current realm:

THE DUCHY OF ALAMIE (as of 552 M.R.)

Monarch: Blaede Stiele-Alam (LE MAn F7 Kit: Warrior-King, Az 51: Major Resistance, Magic 25% - minor, Iron Will - minor, Battlewise - Major, Major Resistance, Non-Magical 50% - Major, Invulnerability - Great, Regeneration - Great)
Proficiences: Leadership, Siegecraft, Strategy, Endurance, Riding (horse), Administration, Law, Intrigue
Items of Note: wears Full Plate armor, “A Dark Word” is a Bastard Sword +2 of Life Stealing, “Rampart” is a Large Shield +3, “Lavalier’s Feet” are Boots of Speed, “Nightshade” is an Amulet vs. Detection and Location, well hidden by his mother is “Heart Reaver” the tighmaevril spear +5

Population: 79,000+/- (96% Human, 2% Halfling, 1% Goblin, 1% all others)

Kingdom Notes:

1.Duke Alam’s mother, The Black Princess, resides in the Fortress of Sorentier where she maintains her “court” currently. She is the defacto “Court Wizard” of the Duchy of Alamie now; but none know her true identity save her son and his immediate Lieutenants.
2.The Western Imperial Temple of Haelyn is the State Religion (meaning Ally of the Duke). The Duke gives support to actions taken by the WIT in return for 2GB each turn.
3.Endier’s Guilder Kalien and Duke Alam have an agreement: Kalien has support of the Duke in Guild Matters and Kalien pays Alamie 2GB each turn.
4.Ghorien Hiriele has agreed to play licensing fees for his business interests in Alamie that amount to only 1GB each turn; though he offered more for Favored Status the Duke declined.
5.Mheallie Bireon is currently attempting to bribe the Duke for Favored Status, but he only accepts 1GB at this time for licensing fees.
6.The Celestial Jewel of Saramie must pay “Land Licenses” to be allowed to remain in the Duchy amounting to 2GB each turn, or the Duke has sworn their temples will be burned.

Lieutenants:

“Lord” Skalz (MGob Ftr 6, unblooded) is the general of Alamie’s goblin mercenary forces. He resides in a “ready camp” outside the walls of Sorentier

The Black Princess (FAwn F10/W10, Az 56: Enhanced Sense, Heightened Ability, Battlewise, Poison Sense, Iron Will, Charm Aura - Great, Travel, Long Life - Great)
Spells: 1st: Charm Person, Hypnotism, Phantasmal Force, Rain of Magic Missiles 2nd: Detect Invisibility, First Strike, Invisibility, Rolling Fire 3rd: Dispel Magic, Lightning Bolt, Monster Unit Summoning I 4th: Minor Globe of Invulnerability, Polymorph Self 5th: Animate Dead Army, Domination
Realm Spells Known: Dispel Realm Magic, Legion of Dead, Scry, Subversion, Summoning

Ruormad (MAn F3/T5, unblooded) is the Duke’s “firm hand” in places that the Duke can’t always be: alleyways, taverns and other secretive places. A former brigand, Ruormad owes the Duke a life-debt and so if the Duke needs a “thing” done he turns to this man to do the dirty work.

Henchmen:

Caern (M1/2Ogre Ftr 5, unblooded) is the Duke’s personal bodyguard and childhood friend. Standing 7’9” tall he is a terrifying sight on the battlefield in his full plate armor wielding his wicked two-handed sword.

Halmied (MAn C6 of Haelyn, unblooded) is the Duke’s spiritual advisor from the Western Imperial Temple. His “functional role” is to disrupt enemy magic for the Duke and support the Duke’s efforts. He attends the Duke’s court at all times.
Spells: 1st: Bless, Command, Cure Light Wounds x2, Light 2nd: Aid, Augury, Hold Person, Silence 15’ Radius, Spiritual Hammer 3rd: Dispel Magic, Prayer

Tannen (MAn M7, unblooded) is the Duke’s Seer. He always has at the ready spells for Blaede to be able to view parts of his realm or his agents (Magic Mirro & Clairaudience). It is also Tannen’s job to protect with invisibility if there is a need to leave a situation. Tannen also possesses a Wand of Enemy Detection he uses at court to ensure that noen get close to his friend the Duke.
Spells: 1st: Charm Person, Detect Magic, Magic Missile, Know Cerilian Origin, Sleep 2nd: Detect Invisibility, First Strike, Invisibility, Web 3rd: Wraithform, Spectral Force, Clairaudience 4th: Magic Mirror, Phantasmal Killer

Recent History: The Duchy of Alamie suffered for long decades under the inept rule of Alam after Alam. Those Alams who were of some capability were usually chased out or even outright killed by resentful rulers who feared their own family. Even Carilon Alam, the previous Duke, was an inept and vain ruler. He put fear in the heart of his only two cousins and even his own daughter. He never knew that the woman that had seduced him at court in 528 M.R. later bore a child she named Blaede and hid him in the north of Alamie. He never knew that the man became a Knight in his own realm and would later replace him.

Blaede “Stiele” became a Knight in Alamie within the land of his birth (raised by a minor noble under the influence of Blaede’s mother); but left shortly after and served as a Hedge Knight within the land of Endier. He adventured on behalf of both Guilder Kalien and Caine the Wizard many times; neither knowing of his origina as the son of The Black Princess and the Duke of Alamie. He later returned to Sorentier and then into the Five Peaks on more adventures. Only a year ago he was introduced to Duke Carilon while the Duke was reviewing “his” knights in Sorentier. It was too late then as Blaede had been raised to the command of the entire fortress and the knights were loyal to him. The Black Princess gave Duke Alam a chance to step aside, but all knew he would not. “Prince” Blaede chased his own father to the capital and stormed the castle with the knights and on the wall slew his own father in single combat. The new Duke also put to the sword his two cousins and even his half-sister who had attempted to enspell him.

Over the last year, the new “Bastard Duke” has moved quickly to establish his full control over the land. He has established a strong relationship with Carilon Alam’s former foe Guilder Kalien. The two men, while not open allies, obviously favor each other in matters. Duke Blaede has made himself useful tot he Mhor as well, despite their ethical differences. He pays for a unit of the Mhor’s Archers and has said any attack on Mhoried from the Gorgon’s forces will bring the full forces of Duke Blaede to the Mhor’s side. He has made overtures of peace to the Duchess of Tuornen and offered support against Rhoubhe; but has been politely refused. Militarily, the Duke has strengthened the defenses of his land to levels unknown in decades by using his adventuring fortune, the treasury of his father and the unknown riches of his mother to supplement the taxes he collects. Alamie has quickly become a strong military state with a firm but well liked ruler. None should mistake him for kind however; he personally performs executions of “criminals” in Lofton.

Description: Alamie is a farming land. Field after field of cropland and pastures are what will meet the eye in all parts of ajourney through the land. Only within Hildon and Sorelies will hills begin to form and turn into highlands moving intothe lands of Tuornen and the Five Peaks. In Nortmoor and Soutmoor the land is still primarily flat, but the land turns into stretches of moorland, especially near the Stonebryrn River; thus the names of these two moor provinces where sheep and goats will be found more often than cattle. Hildon and Sorelies also have many more sheep than cattle; though in all four northern provinces the population is slight and so wool produced here is a resource full absorbed in Alamie if not locally.

Along the Tuor and Maesil rivers are many fishing villages that also boast many farms. Fish isn’t a favorite food in the land of Alamie; but salted fish is often traded abroad. Along the Stonebyrn river are no true fishermen as the waters move more rapidly and afford little purchase of stability for fishermen’s boats. In the province of Laraeth are many peat harvesting fields in and around the Riverport Marsh where some few isolated steadings can be found; but toward the west the commonly viewed fields and pastures will again be found in plenty.

Despite its central location in Anuire, Alamie is a near backwater realm. With a light population compared to neighboring realms (Ghoere 200,000+, Mhoried 125,000+, and Tuornen 85,000+) Alamie has rarely been a place others wanted to go to settle since the collapse of the Empire. Even Tuornen, often attacked by The Manslayer, has a higher population! In fact, the one province realm of Endier has over half the population of all of Alamie. The reason has been simple since the civil war which lost Alamie the entire land of Tuornen: the rulers of Alamie are often reprehensible and without redeeming qualities. Alamie, having become feckless militarily and its rulers turning their anger against their own people makes for a realm that few want to live within.

For now, the Duchy seems much the same; with only the outward sign of change being increased military patrols in all parts of the land and in the north the burning fires of goblin mercenary camps along the border with the Five Peaks. No successful raid has been launched into Alamie in the past year; and in fact several bandit camps across the border have instead been put to the torch. It would seem the new Duke wishes to build Alamie into a warrior realm, and is starting in the north to obtain the training and experience needed to do so.

Military Size: 2,400 Anuireans Standing (3.0% of population)
800 Goblin Mercenaries (1% of population)

The Duke’s military consists of 400 Heavy Cavalry (Knights, Squires and Men-at-Arms) which are the backbone of his current military strength. These worthies are supported by pikemen who stave off charges; but the working force fo the Duchy are the now renowned Alamiean Longbowmen. Not only do they wield their longbows as well as any other Anuirean; they are armored in full chainmail with a solid infantry shield and armed with both broadsword and hand-axe. The axe, while a good backup weapon, is primarily used for creating lines of wooden spikes to place against cavalry charges and, in conjunction with the iron spade each man carries, enables them to hastily build substantial defense against cavalry consisting of the aforementioned caltrops as well as broken ground filled with holes which deter cavalry as well. The two units of scouts the Duke maintains hold within them many Halflings and Rivermen (read former smugglers) who know the lay of the land very well and maintain many small watercraft for sneaking across the borders of Alamie.

Many wonder at the Duke’s hiring of hundreds of Goblin Mercenaries; but he has quickly explained it away as a needed measure. “What better way to ward against the rabble of the Five Peaks than goblins? Better to spend their lives than the good people of Alamie!” is his usual mantra. He in fact has yet to allow them further south than his homeland of Sorelies or the province of Nortmoor. He allows the goblins some leeway in their actions, and with this freedom they will frequently be found raiding into Sufhanie instead of simply guarding against raids in the north of Alamie.

Units: Unit Type Location

Duke’s Guard Anuirean Knights Deseirain

Silver Lances Anuirean Knights Nortmoor

Tuor River Pikemen Anuirean Pikemen Laraeth

Maesil River Pikemen Anuirean Pikemen Soutmoor

Sorelies Hillmen Anuirean Scouts Nortmoor

Maesford Militiamen Anuirean Scouts Maesford

Obsidian Longbowmen Elite Archers Deseirain

Ruby Longbowmen Elite Archers Sorelies

Emerald Longbowmen Elite Archers Nortmoor

Azure Longbowmen Elite Archers Soutmoor

Burgal’s Blades Goblin Infantry Sorelies

Keez’s Axes Goblin Infantry Sorelies

Gorth’s Spears Goblin Infantry Nortmoor

Surga’s Adders Goblin Archers Nortmoor

Construction Levy Anuirean Levy Deseirain

Alamiean Constables Anuirean Irregulars Maesford

*Mhor’s Archers Anuirean Archers somewhere in Mhoried

[AndrewTall]

Best of luck to him, Tournen and Alamie are two of the toughest realms to rule in my view, with more powerful neighbours around them and everyone interested in keeping them down.

[Kell]

The way I see it, the only direction for Alamie to truly go is North into the Five Peaks and maybe then against Thurazor...although two provincial conquests in The Five Peaks can result in a border with Cariele pretty quickly and getting pulled into conflict there (which wouldn't be a bad thing).

What I REALLY want to happen is a marriage with Laela Flaertes of Tuornen to cement an alliance and future united realm...but my character is pretty ruthless, so I doubt that will happen. Going to give it a whirl though! I'm hoping an alliance and crushing of the Five Peaks in battle/conquest will work a ways toward that. Just taking Sufhanie will make it easy to protect Alamie's northern border AND be able to strike three additional provinces in the Five Peaks.

The other path I see is more dangerous: alliance with Mhoried against Ghoere and going to war there in Ghoere. But even if I was successful I would be stuck with a border on the Spiderfell.

Alliance with Mhoried is key for Alamie in my game, as well as a peaceful border with Tuornen. If I could create a "block" of Tuornent/Alamie/Mhoried I would be in a good position. That just leaves Ghoere as a possible aggressor (unless the good aligned Mhoried or Tuornen break their oaths) that has to be watched while I focus on the Five Peaks.

I have to "play it dumb" right now and pretend I don't know anything about the Warlock of the Stonecrowns, although my son may ignore that all together and focus on the Eyeless One (see below) as a foil for my plans.

[Kell]

Blaede's Story:

Blaede Alam, Duke of Alamie, is the bastard son of the previous Duke Carilon Alam. His mother is Tara, the Black Princess of Anuire; though none know she is anything other than a minor figure in Alamie now called "the Witch of Sorentier" among the population. Neither Blaede or his mother wishes anyone to know who she really is.

Tara, disguised as a simple young but beautiful courtesan, seduced Carilon Alam over two decades ago to get Blaede. As always, her motivations are to eventually destroy the Gorgon and she hatched a plan to found a dynasty bent on the monster's destruction for his mistreatment of Tara for so many centuries of captivity. Taking not only Carilon Alam's seed, but also his signet ring Haelyn's Verity, Tara then vanished from the Duke's Court and went north to Sorentier where she had already insinuated herself into the noble family there. The entire Stiele family, minor as they were, became the tool with which Blaede would be raised.

Using her powerful magic, she essentially enslaved the Stiele family to her will and had them "adopt" her child by stating to them that she had found the child in the wilderness. The "Witch of Sorentier" had long been an "advisor" to the Stiele family and other nobles of the lands of Sorelies and Nortmoor and so her word was trusted by them, even if they didn't realize they had no choice as they had been enspelled by her for long years.

Blaede grew swiftly and became strong and courageous; almost foolhardy in his youth as a squire to Lord Stiele. Once his bloodline began to exert itself, he became even more powerful and Tara hid his blood from everyone with her magic. The necklace she had given him as a babe continued too to ward him; Nightshade, made of platinum set with many runes and a large beautiful black saphire, was a powerful Amulet of Protection versus Detection and Location.

As Blaede grew, he made a lifelong friend of the half-ogre named Caern of Nortmoor. The two became as brothers, and remain so to this day. Slow witted and horribly ugly, Caern has only ever found friendship in Blaede who saw only Caern's great prowess and martial abilities as what made him a worthy friend. The Baronet Stiele may not have liked the friendship between his adopted son and the highland warrior; but he respected his son's choice of shieldman and let the friendship alone.

Under the influence and "advice" of the Black Princess, Baronet Stiele Knighted Blaede very early in life at only the age of sixteen. Already the equal of any grown man in stature and swordsmanship, most of the rest of Sorelies nobility accepted the knighting as well. After the ceremony, the Black Princess revealed to Blaede his true heritage as her son and the rightful heir to the throne of Alamie as no other son lived among Carilon Alam's children. Shocked, but not at all hesitant, Blaede accepted his future; but knew too he was not ready to make himself known.

Taking his arms, armor, horse and shieldman, Blaede "Stiele" left the lands of northern Alamie and journied to the realm of Endier. His adopted family "let him go" as they were told to do so by their Witch. Blaede became an adventurer and mercenary taking service with whitchever lord or merchant had sufficient coin to hire him and his shieldman Caern. Knowing he was to gather strength in arms and allies that could be trusted, Blaede soon found and made friends of the bandit Ruormad after saving the man's life from a band of raiding gnolls from the Spiderfell. Ruormad had been born within the land of the Five Peaks and was a brigand raiding into Tuornen and Alamie as a youth; but quickly tired of "roughing it" in the wilderness and had sought mercenary work in Endier as well.

Blaede and his two friends soon too made friend and ally of the magician Tannen who had served for some time as an apprentice to the True Mage Caine. Being unblooded, Tannen had been unable to learn anything further from his master and after Blaede, Caern and Ruormad had served alongside Tannen in a mission for the wizard, the four of them decided they would band together and adventure on their own. They were becoming noted as a rather shadowy group willing to do dirty work; though also known as strong in keeping their word and never taking part in double dealing against a patron. It was this that brought them to the attention of Guilder Kalien who needed just such a group.

"Blaede's Band" worked for Kalien for over a year on several jobs; most of which involved the Guilder's "shadow war" with Duke Carilon Alam. They staged several attacks against individuals opposed to Kalien's interests and always came out on top in any conflict against the Duke's men. It was at the end of their contract with Kalien that they went on their most deadly adventure: into the depths of the Spiderfell where they sought an artifact Kalien wished to have for the wizard Caine. It was on this adventure that Blaede found his sword A Dark Word but was slain in one on one combat against none other than The Spider itself. The magical staff was secured however, and the massive Caern carried his master from the tangled forest in grief...only to discover a short while later that Blaede was actually alive. His powerful Blood simply would not allow him to die.

Awestruck that Blaede could not be killed even by a creature such as the Spider, his companions became even more loyal to him. The four men returned the staff to Guilder Kalien and were amply rewarded, Blaede also obtaining the shield Rampart as his share of the reward. Leaving then from Endier, the group journied back to Blaede's home city of Sorentier. Taking his allies with him to "the Witch" the powerful Awnsheigh bound each of them to Blaede in bloodoath which none dare to break; each to each other and Blaede to each of them as well. Blaede swore to each of them faith and brotherhood so long as each of them swore the same. The Witch also took Tannen to be her apprentice in what magic she could teach him, and he remains her apprentice to this day.

Blaede and his "brothers" next went into the Five Peaks on an adventure his mother said was vital to his growing powerful enough to soon take the throne of Alamie. She had told him that many long years before the Manslayer had lost the relics known as the Bridle and Spurs of Awnmaur to thieves while he was assaulting the lands of Tuornen. Many had thought them stolen by agents of Avanil; but Tara had actually stole into Rhoubhe's Tower Ruannoch with the aid of a band of adventurers and taken the items for her own use. She had later been betrayed by her apprentice, now known as The Eyeless One, and the items taken from her in turn. Blaede's mother had divined with her magic that they still resided with the wizard in The Gorge where The Eyeless One laired...a tower that once belonged to Tara.

Blaede took with him the mercenary goblin Skalz who knew the lay of the Five Peaks very well, and with his group infiltrated the tower of The Eyeless One. In battle against the goblins and ogres of the place, Blaede slew with abandon. Finally facing the "horror" known as The Eyeless One Blaede caught a glimpse of the woman's face after slashing away her mask and quite literally fell for her. As beautiful as his own mother, but in all ways opposite in looks, she nearly gutted him because of his pause...only his powers of regeneration and invulnerability saving his life. The Eyeless One escaped from him then and because his comrades were hard pressed the group retreated with the prize in hand out of the Five Peaks; hounded the entire way by the goblins of the sorceress. Haunted by his foe's beauty, he was told by his mother that The Eyeless One's real name was Lena of Vosgaard. Blonde haired and sky blue-eyed Lena still haunts Blaede's memory.

One last quest awaited Blaede and his companions (minus the goblin Skalz who remained with Tara) before she felt her son was ready to confront his father and claim his Birthright. Blaede's Band journeyed again to Endier where Tara had secreted the ring Haelyn's Verity (a Ring of Truth) within the Temple of Haelyn there fearing should it be found in Alamie it would be returned to the Duke. Years before, however, the High Priest in Endier feared that the ring would be a target for Guilder Kalien and so sent it to the Archprelate Rhobher Nichaleir within the land of Tuornen. Learning this, Blaede's Band journied to Haes to find the Archprelate and demand the return of the ring...which Tara had stolen herself. Blaede was in no small situation; though he quickly found that Rhobher Nichaleir (who didn't want the ring returned to Carilon Alam either) had a way to resolve the issue. As the ring was both stolen and an item that Blaede had right to by inheritance, the Archprelate could only see his way to give the ring to Blaede on the condition that he earn Haelyn's favor.

Already a fervent believer in the faith of Haelyn as the King of the Gods and Lord of Noble War, Blaede pledged himself to the Western Imperial Temple and swore that when he ruled Alamie that Haelyn would be the faith of his realm and any other faith would have to swear to the Western Imperial Temple as all other gods swear to Haelyn himself. He made this oath while the Archprelate wore Haelyn's Verity and so Rhobher believed his oath. However, going one step more, the Archprelate demanded that Blaede perform a Quest as well.

Blaede left Haes with his Band, now joined by the Priest Halmied sent by the Archprelate, on a quest to the province of Monsedge and the town of Black Hill to rid the coal mines there of a mass of Shadows found in the deeps when the miners dug into the wrong subterranean chamber. Fighting the Undead of the place proved one of the most difficult adventures Blaede's Band had ever undertaken, even more so than battling the Spider or the Eyeless One. Had the priest Halmied not journied with them, they would have all been lost to the strength draining power of the Shadows of Black Hill and their master the Spectre, an unknown Awnsheigh up to that time. Unfortunately the Spectre escaped into the Shadow World where the group could not follow; but at least the mines were cleared and blessed so that the darkness could not again enter.

Returning to the Archprelate, Blaede was given the ring Haelyn's Verity and the blessing of the Archprelate. He then returned to the north of Alamie to his home city of Sorentier. Halmied was sent by the Archprelate to be Blaede's spiritual advisor and has remained with him to this day. Upon his return to Sorentier, Blaede entered back into the service of his adopted father, the Baronet Stiele. The Duke Carilon Alam had began to build up forces in Sorentier in Blaede's absence, and many dozens of knights and their retainers were now barracked in the Duke's fortress. Sent by his adopted father to fulfill the Duke's levy of Knights, Blaede became a Knight of the Realm at that time.

For some months Blaede trained with the Knights in Sorentier, always impressing the commanders with his skill at arms and bravery...if not his utter ruthlessness in battle when taking part in patrols and counter raids against the inhabitants of the Five Peaks. He was quickly recognized as quite possibly the finest knight in the garrison, capable of handling a command better than his own commanders; which resulted in him being singled out for elimination by the effete general the Duke had placed in command. Lord Reinan sent Blaede on four different missions that would have been suicide were it not for Blaede's powerful Blood. When none of these succeeded, it only strengthened Blaede's standing among the Knights, and moved many of them to oppose Lord Reinan in favor of Blaede. Reinan next tried to frame Blaede for treason against him, which failed utterly when Halmied and Tannen used their magic to reveal the plot to everyone. Instead of Blaede being framed, Lord Reinan found himself isolated and under siege by the furious young Knight in the High Tower of Sorentier. With the aid of his Band of Brothers, Blaede took the High Tower and put Lord Reinan out onto a horse. He ordered the now armorless man to ride to Lofton and inform Duke Alam that Blaede now commanded the Knights of Sorentier until such time as the Duke came to relieve him with a competent commander that the men could respect.

When Lord Reinan delivered the message to the Duke, he was executed on the spot by the Duke's order. He had been relying on the large number of knights within Sorentier for a surprise invasion of Tuornen which was due to be launched soon. Having no choice but to go to Sorentier himself to deal with the rebellious knight named Blaede, but also curious to see if the young man could be used in his own plotting, the Duke took his bodyguards and rode to the north.

Upone arriving in Sorentier, Duke Alam was very impressed. In the two weeks since Blaede had sent Lord Reinan away, Blaede had turned the chaotic and random establishment of tents, barracks and such into an organized military camp ready to march. The knights and their retainers were arrayed in a proper formation to greet the Duke; though Alam noted they could be just as ready to fight a battle. Upon entering the fortress to the fanfare due his station, Duke Alam was greeted at the entry to the inner bailey by a tall and strong looking Knight that wore no heraldic device. As the Duke dismounted, the Knight knelt in salute; but rose before being given leave to do so. When he stood fully in front of Duke Alam, Carilon noted that the young man looked very similar to himself, though younger, taller, stronger and more handsome than Duke Alam had ever been.

As Blaede introduced himself, he startled the entire courtyard. "My name is Blaede Your Highness. I welcome you to your fortress Sorentier. I hope you have found my preperations for you pleasing Father." The word father stopped the Duke mid-step. Everyone around held their breath. The Duke looked Blaede up and down, his gaze coming to rest upon the ring the young knight wore. His very own ring, Haelyn's Verity, rested upon Blaede's right hand ring finger. He knew without looking up or around that the man standing before him was indeed his son as by wearing the ring the young knight would not have been able to lie.

When Duke Carilon Alam did finally look up, he found a young and beautiful raven haired courtesan standing beside his son. His mind raced back over two decades until he placed the face as the young woman who it seems had literally enspelled him and taken both his seed and his ring. The honey sound of her voice reached out to him again. "Welcome to the home of your heir Your Highness. Won't you join us for dinner in your hall?" The Duke's bodyguards drew their blades and began to circle him; but then stopped in their tracks unable to move; the great power of the Black Princess reaching out from her and encircling them all with her powerful Charm Aura as the men in front stopped, and as the men behind tried to move around their seemingly stunned companions...all stopped and became Charmed by her. Even Duke Alam felt the pull of her power again, though he alone managed to stave off her divine assault due to a magical charm he now carried.

As the mother held his guards in thrall, his son walked right up to him with hands open and kneeled before him. "I ask your blessing Father. Allow me my inheritance and I shall make Alamie strong again." Fear overwhelmed the Duke. His eyes cast about for aid; but the men arrayed in the courtyard had been hand picked by Blaede and there was no help forthcoming from the knights of Sorentier. Even a priest of Haelyn standing nearby seemed a follower of the son he had never known. All Carilon had were two weak cousins and a daughter to possibly inherit Alamie from him; yet now kneeling before him in apparent submission was an obviously powerful knight...the Duke's eyes looked toward the courtesan and realized she had not aged a single day. His voice fairly shaking he asked Blaede "And what of me once you have my blessing?"

The knight looked up at him, glory in his eyes matched only by ambition; but the Duke knew he must answer truly while wearing the ring. "Once I am your heir, I shall make Alamie great again." Evasive; and so the Duke clarified, "Will I live beyond giving you my blessing my son?" The look on the young knight's face was of surprise. "Of course you would live Father. I do not seek your life, only my inheritance. Only my Birthright." While the Duke felt relief, he still felt fear; for while he knew now that the boy answered truthfully it was the Witch standing behind him that the Duke feared most. Her magic was obviously powerful, his guards still stood in her thrall and he felt her attempting to overwhelm his own protection. Carilon Alam was no fool. He could feel that she would end his life as soon as was expedient so that her son would rule with her pulling the strings from behind the throne.

With one quick movement the Duke's right hand, resting upon his dagger, pulled the weapon from its sheath and drove it into his own son's neck! A powerful roar echoed across the courtyard as the half-ogre Caern drew forth his gigantic blade and stalked toward the Duke. The threat to their liege caused the Witch's charm to fade; but it was replaced by confusion in their minds. The Duke watched as the lifeblood of his son poured out on his own boots, the young knight looking him in the eyes; but not with fear, sorrow or any sort of weakness. The Duke saw rage build in his son's eyes. He realized the life was not fading from him at all as his hand, still holding the blade that was still in the boy's neck was gripped by Blaede's own right hand, the ring upon it becoming covered in spurting blood. The Duke watched in horror as his son rose to his feet and held up his left hand in a fist. The hulking form of the half-ogre stopped directly behind his master and the Duke too realized that many other men, weapons drawn, had already closed to slay but now stood only at the ready. Looking back into the eyes of his newly found son Duke Carilon Alam knew fear; deep and abiding and dreadfully powerful fear. His hand and his blade were pulled out of the boy's neck; blood gushed even more heavily.

Pushing his father's dagger filled hand back down with his strong arm, Blaede forced the Duke to sheath his dagger and then held a deathgrip on his hand as blood flowed down his chest. "You have made your choice Father. I know you fear my mother; but now you shall know true fear. I will not die from this wound, but I will need time to recover. Flee to your halls in the capital and make your peace with the gods. I will come for you." With that, Blaede whirled away from his father and staggered to Caern who dropped his sword and took his master into the great hall of Sorentier followed by his personal retainers Ruormad, Halmied, Tannen and the brutish goblin Skalz. Duke Alam stood in awe, looking then upon the Witch that seemed to have brought about his doom.

"Don't blame me Carilon Alam. Blaede wished to have you for his father and to serve you until he rightfully inherited Alamie." Several knights, formerly his own knights sent by him to Sorentier, moved between Duke Alam and the Witch. The eldest among them, recognized by the Duke as Baronet Stiele then spoke. "Your Highness, for the crime of attempted murder of a noble scion of your own house, you are condemned to the will of the Gods. We, your formerly loyal knights, now swear ourselves to your loyal and honest son, Prince Blaede Alam who you yourself have admitted before all is your own son. Only by his grace and nobility do we allow you to leave this place; though it would be better for Alamie that you die where you stand it is not our place to judge your actions contrary to our new Lord's will." The look on Lord Stiele's face was one of pure hatred. It was then that the Duke remembered that Stiele had long ago sent word to the heraldic college in Lofton that he had adopted a babe and would raise him as nobility.

Without a word, Duke Carilon Alam whirled and left with those of his bodyguards who followed him. Some, awestruck by the events that had happened, could no longer will themselves to follow a man who had just attempted to murder a son who had seemingly only sought to serve his father. None knew, but slowly it dawned on the Duke, that his actions had not been his own. He realized as he rode quickly away from Sorentier that his magical protection had been destroyed, the charm having twisted and fell away from his neck. He knew then that the Witch had forced his hand against her own son! But who would believe him now. All he could do is ride at any rate. He found that he did not even have the will to speak in his own defense...he knew in his mind that the Witch still held him in her will!

Only a week later the Duke died upon the battlements of his own castle. His son led an attack against the wall and the two fought on the wall overlooking the Tuor River; the city of Haes's citizens watching from afar as Duke Carilon Alam was cut down by his own bastard son for attempting his murder. It was later learned far and wide that the Duke's only other child, his daughter, had also been killed by the new ruler of Alamie when she attempted to use her magic to kill her father's slayer and that the only two remaining scions of the Alamie line besides Blaede Alam had died in the same battle and against all odds against the man that now ruled Alamie. As if any possible contender for the throne had all at once come against him and been slain.

Only the day after the battle in Lofton, a letter arrived from the new Duke to the Duchess of Tuornen that read simply:

"Dear Cousin,

May my simple words find you well. I am Duke Blaede Alam, new to the throne of our ancestral halls within Lofton. I bid you peace and immediately recognize your rightful rule of the lands known as Tuornen. I relinquish all inheritable rights to the lands won by your ancestors and hope for a peaceful future between our two equal but seperate domains. While our people may never unite, I shall henceforth view your realm as my own's sister realm; as two adults might venture forth from the halls of their parents on different paths but knowing that one may call on the other for aid as siblings. May our kinship be our unity and our future. May Haelyn bless your people.

Blaede"

Over the next year Duke Blaede made many changes upon the lands of Alamie. He ceased expending effort on conquering Tuornen as his ancestors had dreamed of, and instead worked tirelessly on his own realm. He established strong relations with every noble family and powerful merchant or priest in the realm; often whether they wished it or not. He accepted no compromise on his Royal Decrees. He crushed a minor uprising of courtly sycophants by conscripting them to military service and sent them immediately to Sorentier to aid in repelling bandits and goblins...most of them were quickly "reformed" or else died in the fighting that they had no skill to survive.

When Baron Gavin Tael of Ghoere moved a large army to the border of Alamie with the made up reason that he wanted to ensure a smooth transition for the new Duke; Duke Blaede hired goblin mercenaries to fight the goblins and bandits of the Five Peaks while he shifted his entire military to the border of Ghoere to "welcome our friendly neighbors" and sent out word that Alamie welcomed mercenary cavalrymen into Alamie with promises of not only gold, but land at the end of their service. Ghoere sent a letter stating that he saw things were well in hand and the situation quickly disolved. Those mercenary cavalry that decided they truly wanted lands were in fact rewarded with holdings previously held by the "Sycophant Rebels" if they could prove intelligent enough to read and honorable enough to keep their oath of vassalage. All others were hired on permanent retainer for caravan guard duty after Duke Blaede established caravan routes to both the City of Anuire and to the City of Beveldruor in Mhoried. Quickly tiring of the reduced pay, many left for other lands.

Duke Alam began a quarterly expenditure of silver to the Mhor of Mhoried to aid in paying for the military responsible for protecting Anuire from the Gorgon, and suggested that any noble interested in following his example might follow Haelyn's will for his people's protection and do the same. Not to be outdone, the Baron of Ghoere and others also began sending money to the Mhor.

The Duke established numerous patrol stations all around Alamie, but especially in the northern provinces to firmly establish the protection of his people. He also negotiated an excellent contract with Guilder Kalien of Endier for the import of good weapons and armor to be given to the populace to equip them for their protection. He raised a special Levy, the Alamien Constables, to travel about Alamie to train local citizens in better methods of rapidly responding to raids. Not professional soldiers at all, the Alamien Constables are a peasant militia under the jurisdiction of village elders to aid in the protection of the herders and farmers of Alamie; but paid for by the crown. Composed primarily of "old timers" who have served in response to raids before, the group has very high morale as a rotating duty station takes them from province to province to train the locals; again all paid for by the Crown but without direct intervention by the Duke.

Relinquishing quite a bit of control over Alamie, the Duke also declared the establishment of Free Cities within Alamie. By application by guilds who can represent that they have the ability to organize for the defense and governance of a city of population 1,000 or more a Mayor may be elected from all citizens of that city to represent their interests at the Duke's Common Court. Such increased freedom is not without cost however, and such cities must pay an increase in taxes and land rents in return for this freedom. This action won great praise from Endier and even Tuornen.

Obvious to all, despite his works, is that Duke Blaede Alam is also capable of being ruthless when occasion demands he be so. Rebellious men of Soutmoor were defeated in battle; but not executed. Instead they were conscripted into the military as indentured soldiers who must serve a five year sentence before being allowed to return to their families. On the surface, this wasn't such a severe punishment; until it was learned that these former rebels would be sent to hard labor in a "Construction Levy" which would work on roads and other infrastructure as little more than slaves despite being paid for their work. All their "pay" was forwarded to their home villages to the support of any family they had been forced to leave behind. The Construction Levy has horrible morale as only two-thirds its number are actually required to do any work while the rest are essentially officers and overseers who literally crack the whip on workers that show signs of slowing. Desertion was at first high, but the Duke summarily carried out the personal execution of anyone caught deserting the unit which he often visits no matter where they are. He plans to make hard labor in the Construction Levy the fate of any rebels or other hard criminals convicted within Alamie instead of placing them uselessly in dungeons.

Many still question his hiring of Goblin mercenaries; though he has made it clear that these units are to be constantly engaged in battle against their own kin as well as human bandits and gnoll or orog raiders from the Five Peaks. So successful has this endeavor been that many of the goblins within this mercenary force have come from the very goblins that used to raid Alamie! Paid more for better living appeals to goblins and they get to fight and kill as well under the command of a competent general. Duke Blaede has three times personally led these mercenaries in attacks into Sufhanie and burned a swath of destruction so deep into that land that no successful raids have originated from it into Alamie since his first attack.

Other new laws passed by the Duke since his coronation have been mandatory archery training by all men and women within the realm at each seasonal fair; with the top competitors each being awarded a longbow that they must then train with. Each is also given a stipend however, and so beyond the rewards for high placement in the fairs, each is essentially now paid a yearly fee for simply practicing the bow. Everyone knows who would be first called to form new units of archers however. Yet another decree related to archery is the "Yeoman Decree" which says that any peasant that can exhibit proper skill with the Longbow to a local lord is to be afforded the status of Yeoman and elevated from peasant status along with their spouse and children; though no other family.

In addition to this, and much more noticed by surrounding realms, is the new armored Longbowmen that Duke Blaede has organized. He has raised regular longbowmen units, armored them in full suits of mail and shield and trained them heavily in anti-cavalry tactics such as using potholes and caltrops. During their initial training, all within the province of Traiward, they were also heavily drilled in firing flaming arrows at crude river barges. The Baron of Ghoere noted their training with some frustration. After training, the Duke marched the men into full battle (his first strike into the Five Peaks) alongside the goblin mercenaries. The longbowmen were easily able to counter the wolf riding native goblins and obliterated them nearly to the last on the field before taking a single casualty. Their greater range had already allowed them to slaughter goblin archers and their ability with the sword and hand-axe coupled with their armor and shield made them more than a match for goblin skirmishers sent against them; the wolf riders being broken left little on the field for the Duke's goblin mercenaries to mop up.

With patrol posts and an increase in law and order in the realm there has also been an increase in taxes levied against each and every citizen. However, these taxes are visibly being used to improve the realm, train a better military and even at times given back to the people of Alamie as food stipends to poorer individuals which are administered by the Western Imperial Temple and Celestial Jewel of Saramie (the latter by Decree and with close supervision by Ducal investigators to ensure the funds are used as intended). The people of Alamie are for the most part now content; but there is strain in some areas as the severe taxation is resented by those living day to day and not able to yield so readily the demands of the crown. The Duke has offset this on several occassions by literally buying blessings from the Western Imperial Temple and Celestial Jewel of Saramie. So far the Duke's work to make Alamie a more prosperous realm is paying off and the citizens are much happier than when he first took the crown from his dead father's brow.

Politically Duke Blaede Stiele-Alam has caused quite a consternation among surrounding realms. It is a well known fact that he is ruthless in battle, verging on heartless even at times. His battle philosophy has been described as "Kill them all, and let their Gods care for their souls."

Tuornen, especially its primary general Braedonal, is still heavily suspicious of the new Duke. While he has offered to send funds to help the Duchess raise additional warriors to use against the Manslayer, many worry that he is attempting to lull Tuornen into a false sense of security. At home, this is one of the primary rumblings from his own people as well. If Duke Blaede has one failing, it is here with Tuornen as his own people wish to conquer Tuornen.

The Baron of Ghoere previously had amicable relations with Duke Carilon Alam; if not friendly really. Now, the Baron's efforts to "support and help" the new Duke have been firmly rejected. Duke Blaede once said publicly in the High Court that he didn't trust Gavin Tael as far as he could throw his own castle. Coupled with Duke Blaede's attempts at friendly relations with the Mhor, and it is obvious to everyone that Alamie would stand firmly opposite Ghoere in almost any situation regarding Mhoried.

Endier has been one great success for Duke Blaede. Before coming to the rule of Alamie he actually worked for a time for Guilder Kalien. They built a solid relationship of trust and mutual respect then and continue to do so now. Kalien has favored status from the Duke in Alamie so long as Kalien makes no attempt to interfere with the Duke's realm outside of trade matters. Here too it is understood by many that Alamie would ally with Endier at least against Ghoere.

The Mhor has been appreciative of Duke Blaede's chests of silver arriving each season; but, like Tuornen, the Mhor is still hesitant to extend a hand in friendship. Primarily this is because the Duke uses goblin mercenaries...some of whom used to raid Torien's Watch when they were roving bands from the Five Peaks. Duke Blaede has publicly announced (via heralds sent to every court of Anuire) that any invasion of Mhoried by the Gorgon or its puppets will find Alamie marching to the defense of Mhoried. The Duke has made preperations even for the command of his troops to be handed over to the Mhor as soon as they cross the Stonebyrn River by shipping the proper orders embossed with his personal seal to the Mhor with the names of each commander of each unit that he has promised to send: 4 Units of Alamiean Longbow/Infantry, 1 Unit of Knights and 1 Unit of Pikemen. Incidently, he has made the exact same offer to Tuornen regarding the Manslayer; but both the Mhor and the Duchess of Tuornen have not made official replies.

To the Archduke of Boeruine and Prince of Avanil Blaede has been cool and distant. None are sure of his feelings toward either and he has made absolutely no contact with either other than an initial letter sent by herald announcing his coronation in Alamie and his kind regards. Both replied politely and wished him well and thus was the end of relations beyond some minor contact from the Archprelate of the Western Imperial Temple of Haelyn only on behalf of the Archprelates dealings in both realms (Alamie and Avanil) as a spiritual advisor.

Heirl Diem of Diemed has also been let alone by Duke Blaede; though there are whispers that if Diemed attempted to reabsorb Endier the Duke of Alamie might object with his military.

Talinie has been flatly ignored by Duke Blaede. He sees Talanieans as heretical and vassals of Archduke Boeruine at any rate.

Similarly he looks at Cariele (correctly) as nothing more than an extension of Guilder Mheallie Bireon's holdings; and he deals already with her within his own lands. He has made it clear to her, however, that should she try his patience by trying in Alamie what she has done in Cariele he will take her life. This of course was not something the woman wanted to hear and may have been the origin of the assassination attempt on his life.

On the opposite side of the Five Peaks lay the goblin kingdom of Thurazor. Blaede has not had dealings with them yet; though if he wished to expand the number of goblin mercenaries he has many think he will begin to deal directly with the goblin King.

Even further north is the land of Dhoesone. In a meeting with a diplomat of the Mhor, Duke Blaede agreed that Dhoesone was in need of assistance to ensure that it did not fall to invaders such as the Gorgon moving through the Giantdowns. Duke Blaede sent a tentative offer to the Baroness of Dhoesone offering to aid in the payment of her forces but has had no reply.

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Blaede is tall and athletically powerful, has heavily tanned skin, blackest thick hair and azure colored eyes; a true head turner wherever he goes. He keeps his hair chopped short, but it is still often in his eyes a bit when he is in the field too long; and then he will use a dagger to cut it again. His father was not the most handsome man, but still "good to look at" and the reason Tara chose him. Coupled with the looks of Tara, once described as the most beautiful woman in Anuire during the days of the Andu, Blaede is easily one of the best looking regents of Anuire.

While he is very much a "Warrior King" he is also a dedicated statesman. When in the field his armor and gear is well oiled and cared for; but he isn't above being dirty and on the line with his soldiers; just as often fighting with the infantry as charging with his knight bodyguards. He keeps a spartan camp, eating and drinking what his soldiers eat and drink; but everything is always organized and he demands the same from his soldiers. At court he wears only supple leather breeches tucked into his boots, a black tunic and a chain hauberk beneath his tabard (gold fabric with the Lion of Alamie) while keeping A Dark Word at his side. His clothes and person are immaculate when at court; though he smells only of weapon/armor oil even then. Nightshade is worn beneath his tunic, while Caern or another will be carrying Rampart at his side should Blaede need it.

Blaede is not the best diplomat, he is too straightforward; but he has a keen eye for subterfuge. While his patience grows, he is getting better at diplomacy; but for now he relies on advice from Halmied quite often on how to proceed in certain areas while relying on his own cunning and great intelligence to make final decisions.

He is considered by many to be a fanatic of the Haelyn faith. He heard many stories as a child about the strength and valor of Haelyn from his mother who would have been married to Haelyn had it not been for the Black Prince kidnapping her. Blaede has difficulty understanding the "why" of kindness related to the God Haelyn; but is fully accepting of the Right of Rule and Noble War. He feels it is his duty under Haelyn's gaze to do whatever it takes to better not only the lives of all Alamieans, but Anuireans as a whole. Blaede has a great deal of anger toward Awnsheighlen in general; but the Gorgon and Rhoubhe Manslayer in particular. He loathes the Spider, but does not see in it the danger the other two represent; though he would love to gain revenge upon the Spider for his humiliating defeat in combat against the beast. It is not an irony lost on him however that Blaede also possesses the Blood of Azrai. It is in fact one of the reasons he is so driven to "do the right thing" and not fall to evil. He has been told directly by Halmied and Tannen both that he is considered evil by many (including the god he worships!) but Blaede tries his best to temper his dark thoughts and vent his ire only in battle.

[AndrewTall]

Nice stuff. In terms of marriage, The Duchess of Tuornen is likely going to be too old for Blaede, so I would advise Blaede to start showing his prowess, faith, etc to the next generation and aim either for a direct marriage, or to be in a good place to arrange a marriage between his eldest child and the Duchess's heir - the question is whether he will care whether the reunited dukedom would be named Alamie or Tuornen - and if the latter if he could push Alamie's nobility and people to accept the loss of face involved.

[Kell]

She isn't too old, she is a Half-Elf after all. She likely looks as young as Blaede easily.

Edit:

Born in 515 she is only 37 or so at the time of my game. For a Half-Elf she is still a relative Teenager.

[AndrewTall]

She isn't too old, she is a Half-Elf after all. She likely looks as young as Blaede easily.

Edit:

Born in 515 she is only 37 or so at the time of my game. For a Half-Elf she is still a relative Teenager.

Fair point, I forgot that. Blaede needs to butter her up then - indeed given her half-sidhe nature then if she won't marry him then perhaps his (future) son.

Would Blaede be willing perhaps to ask her to foster his son for a few years? If the boy gets on well in court the two realms are brought close together, if he dies Blaede has the perfect excuse to invade with the major powers finding it hard not to permit him at least some victory, the only real way for fostering to lose would be if the lad was seen as a boor or wretch by the Tuornese - but that's unlikely if Blaede and his mother plan the fostering in advance.

[Kell]

The major sticking point for Blaede is the mother that the DM has worked out for him: Tara the Black Princess. She is a major factor and might want to be "in charge" of rearing any children for her designs of founding a family bent toward the destruction of the Gorgon.

MY idea was to cement a marriage between Blaede and Flaertes which resulted in the mother raising the child at court between Haes and Lofton at varied times of the year. That child would, when an adult, become the ruler of the reunited realm of Alamie. Going for Alamie since both ruling houses of the divided land are still descendants of the Alam family. The Tuors were once Alamieans, it might be easier to persuade their retaking of that name (I'm hoping).

The sticking point will be thwarting my character's own mother's overall plans/ideas. Blaede knows she hates the Gorgon though, so will be playing on that sentiment mostly.

Blaede won't be as long lived as Flaertes either, so I am hoping to eventually play the child of that union (if we even play that long).

[Osprey]

So it appears you are using original 2nd edition AD&D...

I can't remember anymore, but does your amulet convey absolute proof against all divination magic on the wearer? If so that is extremely powerful, especially when dealing with paladins and clerics using detect evil (like the WIT ones, who must hang around your court sometimes).

I know in 3e and Pathfinder, the amulet acts as a constant Nondetection spell, which can be overcome by a good roll and/or higher-level caster of a divination spell (DC 15+amulet caster level). So such protections could no longer 100% hide evil regents from detection of their alignment in this rule set.

Funny how rule tweaks can create huge power shifts in a game!

[Kell]

Nightshade is probably one of the most powerful magic items in the campaign.


Amulet of Proof Against Detection and Location: This device protects the wearer against all divination and magical location and detection. The wearer cannot be detected through clairaudience , clairvoyance, ESP, crystal balls, or any other scrying devices. No aura is discernible on the wearer, and predictions cannot be made regarding him unless a powerful being is consulted.

Blaede has found out that his mother is able to scry on him though; although I don't know how.

As for his evil alignment, it is actually rather well known. Worshipers of Haelyn can be evil; and Blaede is a for sure adherent to the more worldly views of the Western Imperial Temple. His spiritual advisor (appointed by Rhobher Nichaleir) keeps him aware when his actions might go against the better teachings of Haelyn; though Blaede believes in Capital Punishment to say the least...which he usually carries out himself.

[Osprey]

As for his evil alignment, it is actually rather well known. Worshipers of Haelyn can be evil; and Blaede is a for sure adherent to the more worldly views of the Western Imperial Temple. His spiritual advisor (appointed by Rhobher Nichaleir) keeps him aware when his actions might go against the better teachings of Haelyn; though Blaede believes in Capital Punishment to say the least...which he usually carries out himself.

I just think being a known evil regent would create so many do-gooder enemies, most especially almost every paladin in Anuire except maybe Avani's, and most good-aligned clerics too. It would also make it VERY hard to find allies amongst non-evil regents like The Mhor and Laela Flaertes (unless her alignment is neutral in your game).

It's a lot easier for me to believe that evil regents are tolerated because no one can actually prove it with magic, only in the normal human ways (like a brutal style of rule/law), and then all kinds of things are justified in the name of expediency and power.

[Kell]

That is really the only way Blaede's "evil" is known: he is ruthless in his dealings; but fair at the same time. He employs goblin mercenaries too. His Priest Advisor knows full well his dark side and tries to temper it

A major part of the early campaign was that he was attacked by Shaemes Lavalier who hoped to once and for all end the tyranny of the Alam family in Alamie. That is why Blaede now has Boots of Speed; but the spear was taken by his mother "for safe keeping" by her.

However, there are LOTS of evil monarchs all over Anuire that Paladins and such don't try to take down. Haelyn even has evil worshipers, so it isn't uncommon for Evil individuals to both be known to be evil and be rulers of domains:

Mieres has Arron Vaumil

Port of Call Exchange has el-Hadid

Brosengae has Eriene Mierlenen

Ghoere has Gavin Tael

On and on the list goes and many of these individuals have numerous allies.