Charnel Lord - Revision history

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T12:36:47Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:36, 15 January 2026
Line 17:		Line 17:
	The people of the northern vales often look to the Charnel Lord as a protector, but that protection comes at a price. He thinks nothing of sacrificing mortal lives in pursuit of his goals, and the protection he offers is a two-bladed sword that comes with many odd obligations. Citizens of the Branoc hills in particular often have a network of scars on their arms and the backs of their hands, signs that they have made blood-gifts to the Charnel Lord or his servants. Those who seek his favour travel to the Broken Barrow, inflict a deep cut on themselves, and allow the blood to be absorbed by one of the odd stones atop the earthen mound. Traditionally, every inhabitant of the Branoc vales, and many from Nitrost and Krevsaty, make such a sacrifice when they come of age. At other times, bowls of fresh blood, sometimes mixed with porridge or animal-flesh, are left as gifts for the Charnel Lords scavenger-spies. In return, the sovereign keeps the worst of the [[Varushkan_Monster#Wolves\|wolves]] from their doors (as long as they are sensible).		The people of the northern vales often look to the Charnel Lord as a protector, but that protection comes at a price. He thinks nothing of sacrificing mortal lives in pursuit of his goals, and the protection he offers is a two-bladed sword that comes with many odd obligations. Citizens of the Branoc hills in particular often have a network of scars on their arms and the backs of their hands, signs that they have made blood-gifts to the Charnel Lord or his servants. Those who seek his favour travel to the Broken Barrow, inflict a deep cut on themselves, and allow the blood to be absorbed by one of the odd stones atop the earthen mound. Traditionally, every inhabitant of the Branoc vales, and many from Nitrost and Krevsaty, make such a sacrifice when they come of age. At other times, bowls of fresh blood, sometimes mixed with porridge or animal-flesh, are left as gifts for the Charnel Lords scavenger-spies. In return, the sovereign keeps the worst of the [[Varushkan_Monster#Wolves\|wolves]] from their doors (as long as they are sensible).

	Not all of the Charnel Lord's "people" are human. There is a small settlement of independent orcs here that apparently enjoys the protection of the Battlefed. While they have never been formally recognised by the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]], they trade quietly with their neighbours and keep themselves to themselves. Some stories claim they are the descendants of Thule raiders, or of the orcs who once lived in the hills and forests here before the coming of humans. Regardless, they have little love for the orcs of [[Otkodov]] and show little interest in the wider politics of the Empire.		Not all of the Charnel Lord's "people" are human. There is a small settlement of independent orcs here that apparently enjoys the protection of the Battlefed. While they have never been formally recognised by the [[Senate]], they trade quietly with their neighbours and keep themselves to themselves. Some stories claim they are the descendants of Thule raiders, or of the orcs who once lived in the hills and forests here before the coming of humans. Regardless, they have little love for the orcs of [[Otkodov]] and show little interest in the wider politics of the Empire.

	The little beasts of the [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria\|Maze of Zoria]] have [[Mime_each_lonely_word#The_Naming_of_the_Beasts\|whispered]] that the sovereign has potent magical powers, and is prepared to share some of them with the cabailists who bind themselves to his purpose. It's believed that in the recent past he has made a gift of one or more [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts\|ritual texts]] to Varsuhkan magicians. The unique enchantment employed by the [[Navarr]] in [[Kahraman]] to [[Of_earth_and_sky#Blood.2C_Thorns.2C_and_Ravens\|slaughter the Jotun]] is believed to have originated with him (although its power [[Of_earth_and_sky#Game_Information\|cannot be duplicated]] any more). Most of the magic he has been known to share has been from the realms of [[Night magic\|Night]] and [[Winter magic\|Winter]].		The little beasts of the [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria\|Maze of Zoria]] have [[Mime_each_lonely_word#The_Naming_of_the_Beasts\|whispered]] that the sovereign has potent magical powers, and is prepared to share some of them with the cabailists who bind themselves to his purpose. It's believed that in the recent past he has made a gift of one or more [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts\|ritual texts]] to Varsuhkan magicians. The unique enchantment employed by the [[Navarr]] in [[Kahraman]] to [[Of_earth_and_sky#Blood.2C_Thorns.2C_and_Ravens\|slaughter the Jotun]] is believed to have originated with him (although its power [[Of_earth_and_sky#Game_Information\|cannot be duplicated]] any more). Most of the magic he has been known to share has been from the realms of [[Night magic\|Night]] and [[Winter magic\|Winter]].

Dre at 21:49, 13 May 2024

2024-05-13T21:49:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:49, 13 May 2024
Line 10:		Line 10:
	He is said to take the form of a pale humanoid with marks of [[draughir]] ancestry, wearing a hooded robe and wrapped in an aura of dread. He is not alive in any conventional sense; some cabalists theorise he is a ghost haunting his own dead flesh. While he is sometimes called a king or a lord, he wears no crown or any obvious adornment. Some stories depict him fighting with a two-handed axe or spear, while others say he can extrude savage talons and ripping fangs that will make short work of an opponent.		He is said to take the form of a pale humanoid with marks of [[draughir]] ancestry, wearing a hooded robe and wrapped in an aura of dread. He is not alive in any conventional sense; some cabalists theorise he is a ghost haunting his own dead flesh. While he is sometimes called a king or a lord, he wears no crown or any obvious adornment. Some stories depict him fighting with a two-handed axe or spear, while others say he can extrude savage talons and ripping fangs that will make short work of an opponent.

	While he claims to be older than the [[People of the North\|first settlers]], it is much more likely he may have once been an Ushkan chieftain who became something else following a dark bargain or unforgivable trespass. There are very old stories that say a "''blood-drinking horror''" once stalked the hills of Branoc with packs of wolves and flocks of murder-crows and fought the Vard. In time the ancestors of the modern ~~Varsuhkans~~ "''tamed''" him and he retreated to his barrow. When Vard and Ushka joined and became Varushka, it seemed to make little difference to him. He did not oppose [[Alderei the Fair]], or the ~~Varsuhkan~~ decision to join the Empire, but rather offered aid to both sides at various points in the Empire's campaign against the tyrant-boyar.		While he claims to be older than the [[People of the North\|first settlers]], it is much more likely he may have once been an Ushkan chieftain who became something else following a dark bargain or unforgivable trespass. There are very old stories that say a "''blood-drinking horror''" once stalked the hills of Branoc with packs of wolves and flocks of murder-crows and fought the Vard. In time the ancestors of the modern Varushkans "''tamed''" him and he retreated to his barrow. When Vard and Ushka joined and became Varushka, it seemed to make little difference to him. He did not oppose [[Alderei the Fair]], or the Varushkan decision to join the Empire, but rather offered aid to both sides at various points in the Empire's campaign against the tyrant-boyar.

	The Charnel Lord claims dominion over the woods and hills of northern Karsk, especially the vales of [[Karsk#Branoc\|Branoc]] that surround his barrow. He also has a measure of influence over battlefields, especially in Karsk, but the limits of his reach are uncertain. When blood is spilled in battle and lives are ended, he sends his charnel servants to feast on the dead. Apparently, he gains strength from every soldier who dies on a battlefield in Karsk - certainly he seems to sleep most deeply when there is peace in Varushka, and awaken eagerly once armies begin to march.		The Charnel Lord claims dominion over the woods and hills of northern Karsk, especially the vales of [[Karsk#Branoc\|Branoc]] that surround his barrow. He also has a measure of influence over battlefields, especially in Karsk, but the limits of his reach are uncertain. When blood is spilled in battle and lives are ended, he sends his charnel servants to feast on the dead. Apparently, he gains strength from every soldier who dies on a battlefield in Karsk - certainly he seems to sleep most deeply when there is peace in Varushka, and awaken eagerly once armies begin to march.
Line 47:		Line 47:
	<ic>There are many versions of this story, and many names, but this is the tale I learned from a crow, when we shared bread and cheese by the banks of the river.		<ic>There are many versions of this story, and many names, but this is the tale I learned from a crow, when we shared bread and cheese by the banks of the river.

	A long time ago, long before there was a Varushka, the people who lived in the valley were ~~lead~~ by a wise and respected boyar. In his youth, he had been a slayer of orcs and wolves, with a coat of leather plates and a sharp bronze spear, and he ~~lead~~ with courage and guile. When the old boyar died, his cleverness saw him named to follow her. With snow dusting his temples, he made sacrifice and donned the cloak of feathers, and took up the painted staff that marked him as a master of bonds. He ~~lead~~ the people wisely, protecting them from the jealous foes that would have overrun the valley and taken their prosperity if they could. For twenty years or more, the people of the valley knew peace. Yet peace never lasts. A great horde of warriors came at last, killing and looting.		A long time ago, long before there was a Varushka, the people who lived in the valley were led by a wise and respected boyar. In his youth, he had been a slayer of orcs and wolves, with a coat of leather plates and a sharp bronze spear, and he led with courage and guile. When the old boyar died, his cleverness saw him named to follow her. With snow dusting his temples, he made sacrifice and donned the cloak of feathers, and took up the painted staff that marked him as a master of bonds. He led the people wisely, protecting them from the jealous foes that would have overrun the valley and taken their prosperity if they could. For twenty years or more, the people of the valley knew peace. Yet peace never lasts. A great horde of warriors came at last, killing and looting.

	The boyar took counsel with the wise ones, and with their blessing climbed the hill above his hall to where a black stone stood, and made a gift of his blood to the spirit that dwelt there.		The boyar took counsel with the wise ones, and with their blessing climbed the hill above his hall to where a black stone stood, and made a gift of his blood to the spirit that dwelt there.

Hailmur: /* Black Feathers */

2024-04-08T11:36:06Z

Black Feathers

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:36, 8 April 2024
Line 32:		Line 32:
	==Other Tales==		==Other Tales==
	===Black Feathers===		===Black Feathers===
	The Charnel Lord has one recognisable envoy, who wears a cloak of black feathers and lives somewhere in Branoc. During the Thule invasion of Karsk, this emissary was named ''Vaclav'' and negotiated on behalf of his master with the leaders of Varushka. The current envoy is apparently Vaclav's daughter, ~~Tasyana~~. Apparently the one who wears the cloak of black feathers can travel anywhere in Karsk without concern, and none of the wolves of Varushka will challenge them. According to stories, anyone who harms the envoy while they wear their cloak and travel on behalf of the Charnel Lord will find a terrible curse falls on them that causes them to crave rotting meat and eventually sees them driven mad or transformed into a corpse-feaster.		The Charnel Lord has one recognisable envoy, who wears a cloak of black feathers and lives somewhere in Branoc. During the Thule invasion of Karsk, this emissary was named ''Vaclav'' and negotiated on behalf of his master with the leaders of Varushka. The current envoy is apparently Vaclav's daughter, Tasya. Apparently the one who wears the cloak of black feathers can travel anywhere in Karsk without concern, and none of the wolves of Varushka will challenge them. According to stories, anyone who harms the envoy while they wear their cloak and travel on behalf of the Charnel Lord will find a terrible curse falls on them that causes them to crave rotting meat and eventually sees them driven mad or transformed into a corpse-feaster.

	===The Iron Helms===		===The Iron Helms===
	The sovereign seems to have an odd affection for the [[Iron Helms]]. the core of that army is made up of soldiers from the vales of Branoc, and from the miners of Moresvah who have long been suspected to have some tie to the sovereign. The flocks of carrion birds that accompany the Helms, are said to contain crows that serve the Charnel Lord. The [[cabalists]] of Branoc can apparently speak with such birds, using them as spies, and feeding them on the eyes of their foes. Likewise, some of the hound-masters that fight alongside the army credit the remarkably close bonds they have with their dogs to traditional rites handed down to them from the Charnel Lord. Given the Iron Helms have travelled all the way to [[Spiral]] without the birds deserting them, some [[volhov]] fear just how far the Charnel Lord's hand might be able to reach.		The sovereign seems to have an odd affection for the [[Iron Helms]]. the core of that army is made up of soldiers from the vales of Branoc, and from the miners of Moresvah who have long been suspected to have some tie to the sovereign. The flocks of carrion birds that accompany the Helms, are said to contain crows that serve the Charnel Lord. The [[cabalists]] of Branoc can apparently speak with such birds, using them as spies, and feeding them on the eyes of their foes. Likewise, some of the hound-masters that fight alongside the army credit the remarkably close bonds they have with their dogs to traditional rites handed down to them from the Charnel Lord. Given the Iron Helms have travelled all the way to [[Spiral]] without the birds deserting them, some [[volhov]] fear just how far the Charnel Lord's hand might be able to reach.

Rafferty: /* A Story of the Charnel Lord */

2023-06-16T12:42:49Z

A Story of the Charnel Lord

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:42, 16 June 2023
Line 70:		Line 70:
	"If my father says the price is too high," he said, "then the price is too high. Not everything has a price that can be paid, nor is every bargain worth the cost.”		"If my father says the price is too high," he said, "then the price is too high. Not everything has a price that can be paid, nor is every bargain worth the cost.”

	The next day, the enemy came again, and more of the warriors died, and while the valley was not lost, neither was it saved. The boyar took the counsel of the wise, but they had nothing to tell him that he did not already know, and they ordered him to climb the hill and pay the price. One last time he went up to the place of the black stone, but this time he was accompanied not by the wise ones, and the strongest of the remaining warriors, but by his beloved son as well, and all watched as he gave the blood gift to summon the spirit, and they spoke the same words as they had on the two previous nights for nothing had changed. The boyar wept, for he knew he could not sacrifice the thing he loved most in all the worlds, and he knew that his people must now pass from the earth and be forgotten.		The next day, the enemy came again, and more of the warriors died, and while the valley was not lost, neither was it saved. The boyar took the counsel of the wise, but they had nothing to tell him that he did not already know, and they ordered him to climb the hill and pay the price. One last time he went up to the place of the black stone, but this time he was accompanied not only by the wise ones, and the strongest of the remaining warriors, but by his beloved son as well, and all watched as he gave the blood gift to summon the spirit, and they spoke the same words as they had on the two previous nights for nothing had changed. The boyar wept, for he knew he could not sacrifice the thing he loved most in all the worlds, and he knew that his people must now pass from the earth and be forgotten.

	As he turned to leave, however, he found his son was standing in the shadow of the black stone. As his father wept, he caught him in a rough one-handed embrace, and the old boyar rested his head on his shoulder. Then, with great sorrow, the son drove his dagger up past his father’s ribs and into his heart.		As he turned to leave, however, he found his son was standing in the shadow of the black stone. As his father wept, he caught him in a rough one-handed embrace, and the old boyar rested his head on his shoulder. Then, with great sorrow, the son drove his dagger up past his father’s ribs and into his heart.

Rafferty: /* A Story of the Charnel Lord */

2023-06-16T12:41:08Z

A Story of the Charnel Lord

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:41, 16 June 2023
Line 48:		Line 48:
	A long time ago, long before there was a Varushka, the people who lived in the valley were lead by a wise and respected boyar. In his youth, he had been a slayer of orcs and wolves, with a coat of leather plates and a sharp bronze spear, and he lead with courage and guile. When the old boyar died, his cleverness saw him named to follow her. With snow dusting his temples, he made sacrifice and donned the cloak of feathers, and took up the painted staff that marked him as a master of bonds. He lead the people wisely, protecting them from the jealous foes that would have overrun the valley and taken their prosperity if they could. For twenty years or more, the people of the valley knew peace. Yet peace never lasts. A great horde of warriors came at last, killing and looting.		A long time ago, long before there was a Varushka, the people who lived in the valley were lead by a wise and respected boyar. In his youth, he had been a slayer of orcs and wolves, with a coat of leather plates and a sharp bronze spear, and he lead with courage and guile. When the old boyar died, his cleverness saw him named to follow her. With snow dusting his temples, he made sacrifice and donned the cloak of feathers, and took up the painted staff that marked him as a master of bonds. He lead the people wisely, protecting them from the jealous foes that would have overrun the valley and taken their prosperity if they could. For twenty years or more, the people of the valley knew peace. Yet peace never lasts. A great horde of warriors came at last, killing and looting.

	The boyar took counsel with the wise ones, and with their blessing climbed the hill above his hall to where a black stone stood, and made a gift of his blood ~~the~~ the spirit that dwelt there.		The boyar took counsel with the wise ones, and with their blessing climbed the hill above his hall to where a black stone stood, and made a gift of his blood to the spirit that dwelt there.

	“Enemies have come to the valley,” said the boyar. “How can my people survive?”		“Enemies have come to the valley,” said the boyar. “How can my people survive?”

Rafferty at 12:29, 16 June 2023

2023-06-16T12:29:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:29, 16 June 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Varushka]] [[Category:Sovereign]]		[[Category:Varushka]] [[Category:Sovereign]]
	<div style="float:left; width: ~~400px~~; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=~~Silhouette of a crow~~.~~JPG~~\|align=left\|caption=The Charnel Lord ~~has power over crows, ravens,~~ and ~~other even less wholesome battlefield scavengers~~\|width=~~400~~}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Charnel Lord.jpg\|align=left\|caption=The Charnel Lord is dual-aspected; a lord of battlefields and a lord of dark magic.\|width=600}}</div>
	==Sobriquets==		==Sobriquets==
	the Lord of the Crows, the Battlefed, Moundshroud, The King Beneath the Hill, Branocbound, Irontooth, the Boyar of the Broken Barrow, the Raven.		the Lord of the Crows, the Battlefed, Moundshroud, The King Beneath the Hill, Branocbound, Irontooth, the Boyar of the Broken Barrow, the Raven.
Line 22:		Line 22:

	During the Thule invasion, the Charnel Lord allied first with one side and then the other, finally throwing his support behind the Empire. His [[#Black Feathers\|envoy]] claimed that he was motivated by care for the safety of "his" people, was also oddly keen to encourage strategies that would lead to numbers of orcs and humans dying. According to recent tales, after [[Accept Thule peace treaty\|peace]] was agreed with the Thule, the Charnel extracted a promise from the [[Wise_One\|wise ones]] of Varushka to look after his people, and then slipped back into a deep slumber somewhere beneath the hill.		During the Thule invasion, the Charnel Lord allied first with one side and then the other, finally throwing his support behind the Empire. His [[#Black Feathers\|envoy]] claimed that he was motivated by care for the safety of "his" people, was also oddly keen to encourage strategies that would lead to numbers of orcs and humans dying. According to recent tales, after [[Accept Thule peace treaty\|peace]] was agreed with the Thule, the Charnel extracted a promise from the [[Wise_One\|wise ones]] of Varushka to look after his people, and then slipped back into a deep slumber somewhere beneath the hill.
			<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Silhouette of a crow.JPG\|align=right\|caption=The Charnel Lord has power over crows, ravens, and other even less wholesome battlefield scavengers\|width=400}}</div>
	==Servants==		==Servants==
	The Charnel Lord has power over over battlefield scavengers; crows, ravens, rats, in particular. This power extends to more unnatural creatures; most of the ''corpse-feasters'' that haunt battlefields and old war-graves owe allegiance to him, wherever they might be in Varushka or beyond. These ghoulish creatures are generally cowardly preferring to eat the dead or the dying rather than hunt the living. Faced with an armed opponent, they would rather flee unless they greatly outnumber their prey. There are old stories that say the Charnel Lord can call the corpse-feasters together to serve him, bringing ruin to a vale whose protections falter. These corpse-feasters are different to the husks created by magic such as [[Quickening Cold Meat]] - dead bodies filled with a terrible hunger by Winter spirits - that usually attack heedlessly until they are cut down. Old stories suggest the first corpse-feasters were people who developed a taste for human meat, murdering their neighbours to sate their unnatural hungers, and becoming cursed thereby.		The Charnel Lord has power over over battlefield scavengers; crows, ravens, rats, in particular. This power extends to more unnatural creatures; most of the ''corpse-feasters'' that haunt battlefields and old war-graves owe allegiance to him, wherever they might be in Varushka or beyond. These ghoulish creatures are generally cowardly preferring to eat the dead or the dying rather than hunt the living. Faced with an armed opponent, they would rather flee unless they greatly outnumber their prey. There are old stories that say the Charnel Lord can call the corpse-feasters together to serve him, bringing ruin to a vale whose protections falter. These corpse-feasters are different to the husks created by magic such as [[Quickening Cold Meat]] - dead bodies filled with a terrible hunger by Winter spirits - that usually attack heedlessly until they are cut down. Old stories suggest the first corpse-feasters were people who developed a taste for human meat, murdering their neighbours to sate their unnatural hungers, and becoming cursed thereby.

Noserenda at 19:35, 4 June 2023

2023-06-04T19:35:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:35, 4 June 2023
Line 24:		Line 24:

	==Servants==		==Servants==
	The Charnel Lord has power over over battlefield scavengers; ~~crowe~~, ravens, rats, in particular. This power extends to more unnatural creatures; most of the ''corpse-feasters'' that haunt battlefields and old war-graves owe allegiance to him, wherever they might be in Varushka or beyond. These ghoulish creatures are generally cowardly preferring to eat the dead or the dying rather than hunt the living. Faced with an armed opponent, they would rather flee unless they greatly outnumber their prey. There are old stories that say the Charnel Lord can call the corpse-feasters together to serve him, bringing ruin to a vale whose protections falter. These corpse-feasters are different to the husks created by magic such as [[Quickening Cold Meat]] - dead bodies filled with a terrible hunger by Winter spirits - that usually attack heedlessly until they are cut down. Old stories suggest the first corpse-feasters were people who developed a taste for human meat, murdering their neighbours to sate their unnatural hungers, and becoming cursed thereby.		The Charnel Lord has power over over battlefield scavengers; crows, ravens, rats, in particular. This power extends to more unnatural creatures; most of the ''corpse-feasters'' that haunt battlefields and old war-graves owe allegiance to him, wherever they might be in Varushka or beyond. These ghoulish creatures are generally cowardly preferring to eat the dead or the dying rather than hunt the living. Faced with an armed opponent, they would rather flee unless they greatly outnumber their prey. There are old stories that say the Charnel Lord can call the corpse-feasters together to serve him, bringing ruin to a vale whose protections falter. These corpse-feasters are different to the husks created by magic such as [[Quickening Cold Meat]] - dead bodies filled with a terrible hunger by Winter spirits - that usually attack heedlessly until they are cut down. Old stories suggest the first corpse-feasters were people who developed a taste for human meat, murdering their neighbours to sate their unnatural hungers, and becoming cursed thereby.

	He is also said to be able to influence bats and wolves - the actual animals - although it has apparently been generations since he has brought them together in large numbers. It's possible that the Charnel Lord can influence ''any'' natural animal found in Varushka. According to some of the cabalists that have studied him, he learnt the names of the beasts from Zoria in return for some potent boon she sought from him.		He is also said to be able to influence bats and wolves - the actual animals - although it has apparently been generations since he has brought them together in large numbers. It's possible that the Charnel Lord can influence ''any'' natural animal found in Varushka. According to some of the cabalists that have studied him, he learnt the names of the beasts from Zoria in return for some potent boon she sought from him.

Rafferty at 19:22, 4 June 2023

2023-06-04T19:22:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:22, 4 June 2023
Line 2:		Line 2:
	<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Silhouette of a crow.JPG\|align=left\|caption=The Charnel Lord has power over crows, ravens, and other even less wholesome battlefield scavengers\|width=400}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Silhouette of a crow.JPG\|align=left\|caption=The Charnel Lord has power over crows, ravens, and other even less wholesome battlefield scavengers\|width=400}}</div>
	==Sobriquets==		==Sobriquets==
	the Lord of the Crows, the Battlefed, Moundshroud, The King Beneath the Hill, Branocbound, the Boyar of the Broken Barrow, the Raven.		the Lord of the Crows, the Battlefed, Moundshroud, The King Beneath the Hill, Branocbound, Irontooth, the Boyar of the Broken Barrow, the Raven.
	==Dominion==		==Dominion==
	The Charnel Lord rests within the [[Karsk#Broken Barrow\|Broken Barrow]] in the [[Karsk#Branoc\|northern hills]] of [[Karsk]]. By his own accounts an aged and terrible creature that predates the earliest settlers in the area. He has had a number of names, but [[Zoria]] knew him as the Charnel Lord and that is the name that has stuck most strongly. The [[Wisdom\|Wise]] [[Paragons and exemplars\|paragon]] is said to have travelled to the Broken Barrow three times in her life to speak with the sovereign, and each time it sought to trap or trick her with bonds of [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Hospitality\|hospitality]] and [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths\|promises]], but each time she outwitted him.		The Charnel Lord rests within the [[Karsk#Broken Barrow\|Broken Barrow]] in the [[Karsk#Branoc\|northern hills]] of [[Karsk]]. By his own accounts an aged and terrible creature that predates the earliest settlers in the area. He has had a number of names, but [[Zoria]] knew him as the Charnel Lord and that is the name that has stuck most strongly. The [[Wisdom\|Wise]] [[Paragons and exemplars\|paragon]] is said to have travelled to the Broken Barrow three times in her life to speak with the sovereign, and each time it sought to trap or trick her with bonds of [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Hospitality\|hospitality]] and [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths\|promises]], but each time she outwitted him.

Rafferty: /* Further reading */

2023-06-04T18:16:36Z

Rafferty: /* Stories */

2023-06-04T18:15:53Z

Stories

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:15, 4 June 2023
Line 17:		Line 17:
	The people of the northern vales often look to the Charnel Lord as a protector, but that protection comes at a price. He thinks nothing of sacrificing mortal lives in pursuit of his goals, and the protection he offers is a two-bladed sword that comes with many odd obligations. Citizens of the Branoc hills in particular often have a network of scars on their arms and the backs of their hands, signs that they have made blood-gifts to the Charnel Lord or his servants. Those who seek his favour travel to the Broken Barrow, inflict a deep cut on themselves, and allow the blood to be absorbed by one of the odd stones atop the earthen mound. Traditionally, every inhabitant of the Branoc vales, and many from Nitrost and Krevsaty, make such a sacrifice when they come of age. At other times, bowls of fresh blood, sometimes mixed with porridge or animal-flesh, are left as gifts for the Charnel Lords scavenger-spies. In return, the sovereign keeps the worst of the [[Varushkan_Monster#Wolves\|wolves]] from their doors (as long as they are sensible).		The people of the northern vales often look to the Charnel Lord as a protector, but that protection comes at a price. He thinks nothing of sacrificing mortal lives in pursuit of his goals, and the protection he offers is a two-bladed sword that comes with many odd obligations. Citizens of the Branoc hills in particular often have a network of scars on their arms and the backs of their hands, signs that they have made blood-gifts to the Charnel Lord or his servants. Those who seek his favour travel to the Broken Barrow, inflict a deep cut on themselves, and allow the blood to be absorbed by one of the odd stones atop the earthen mound. Traditionally, every inhabitant of the Branoc vales, and many from Nitrost and Krevsaty, make such a sacrifice when they come of age. At other times, bowls of fresh blood, sometimes mixed with porridge or animal-flesh, are left as gifts for the Charnel Lords scavenger-spies. In return, the sovereign keeps the worst of the [[Varushkan_Monster#Wolves\|wolves]] from their doors (as long as they are sensible).

	Not all of the Charnel Lord's "people" are human. There is a small settlement of independent orcs here that apparently enjoys the protection of the Battlefed. While they have never been formally recognised by the [[Imperial Senate]], they trade quietly with their neighbours and keep themselves to themselves. Some stories claim they are the descendants of Thule raiders, or of the orcs who once lived in the hills and forests here before the coming of humans. Regardless, they have little love for the orcs of [[~~Otkododv~~]] and ~~Evidence~~ little interest in the wider politics of the Empire.		Not all of the Charnel Lord's "people" are human. There is a small settlement of independent orcs here that apparently enjoys the protection of the Battlefed. While they have never been formally recognised by the [[Imperial Senate]], they trade quietly with their neighbours and keep themselves to themselves. Some stories claim they are the descendants of Thule raiders, or of the orcs who once lived in the hills and forests here before the coming of humans. Regardless, they have little love for the orcs of [[Otkodov]] and show little interest in the wider politics of the Empire.

	The little beasts of the [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria\|Maze of Zoria]] have [[Mime_each_lonely_word#The_Naming_of_the_Beasts\|whispered]] that the sovereign has potent magical powers, and is prepared to share some of them with the cabailists who bind themselves to his purpose. It's believed that in the recent past he has made a gift of one or more [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts\|ritual texts]] to Varsuhkan magicians. The unique enchantment employed by the [[Navarr]] in [[Kahraman]] to [[Of_earth_and_sky#Blood.2C_Thorns.2C_and_Ravens\|slaughter the Jotun]] is believed to have originated with him (although its power [[Of_earth_and_sky#Game_Information\|cannot be duplicated]] any more). Most of the magic he has been known to share has been from the realms of [[Night magic\|Night]] and [[Winter magic\|Winter]].		The little beasts of the [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria\|Maze of Zoria]] have [[Mime_each_lonely_word#The_Naming_of_the_Beasts\|whispered]] that the sovereign has potent magical powers, and is prepared to share some of them with the cabailists who bind themselves to his purpose. It's believed that in the recent past he has made a gift of one or more [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts\|ritual texts]] to Varsuhkan magicians. The unique enchantment employed by the [[Navarr]] in [[Kahraman]] to [[Of_earth_and_sky#Blood.2C_Thorns.2C_and_Ravens\|slaughter the Jotun]] is believed to have originated with him (although its power [[Of_earth_and_sky#Game_Information\|cannot be duplicated]] any more). Most of the magic he has been known to share has been from the realms of [[Night magic\|Night]] and [[Winter magic\|Winter]].

	During the Thule invasion, the Charnel Lord allied first with one side and then the other, finally throwing his support behind the Empire. His [[#Black Feathers\|envoy]] claimed that he was motivated by care for the safety of "his" people, was also oddly keen to encourage strategies that would lead to numbers of orcs and humans dying. According to recent tales, after [[Accept Thule peace treaty\|peace]] was agreed with the Thule, the Charnel extracted a promise from the [[Wise_One\|wise ones]] of Varushka to look after his people, and then slipped back into a deep slumber somewhere beneath the hill.		During the Thule invasion, the Charnel Lord allied first with one side and then the other, finally throwing his support behind the Empire. His [[#Black Feathers\|envoy]] claimed that he was motivated by care for the safety of "his" people, was also oddly keen to encourage strategies that would lead to numbers of orcs and humans dying. According to recent tales, after [[Accept Thule peace treaty\|peace]] was agreed with the Thule, the Charnel extracted a promise from the [[Wise_One\|wise ones]] of Varushka to look after his people, and then slipped back into a deep slumber somewhere beneath the hill.

	==Servants==		==Servants==

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:16, 4 June 2023
Line 40:		Line 40:
	The only people who have met the Charnel Lord personally are those characters who have ''actually'' met him in play. If you're roleplaying someone who has fought with the Iron Helms, or is a resident of Branoc, you might view the Charnel Lord as a wise protector or a horrible monster. If you're playing someone who has made the blood-gift - especially if you're an inhabitant of northern Karsk - you may want to create a few phys-repped scars on your arms or hand, and perhaps create a story about what you asked the Charnel Lord for aid with.		The only people who have met the Charnel Lord personally are those characters who have ''actually'' met him in play. If you're roleplaying someone who has fought with the Iron Helms, or is a resident of Branoc, you might view the Charnel Lord as a wise protector or a horrible monster. If you're playing someone who has made the blood-gift - especially if you're an inhabitant of northern Karsk - you may want to create a few phys-repped scars on your arms or hand, and perhaps create a story about what you asked the Charnel Lord for aid with.
	==Further reading==		==Further reading==
			* [[Daylight fading]] - 385YE Spring Wind of Fortune detailing renewed activity from the Charnel Lord
	* [[Crow on the Cradle]] - 379YE Autumn wind of fortune regarding the Charnel Lord's role in the refounding of the Iron Helms		* [[Crow on the Cradle]] - 379YE Autumn wind of fortune regarding the Charnel Lord's role in the refounding of the Iron Helms

	==A Story of the Charnel Lord==		==A Story of the Charnel Lord==
	<ic>There are many versions of this story, and many names, but this is the tale I learned from a crow, when we shared bread and cheese by the banks of the river.		<ic>There are many versions of this story, and many names, but this is the tale I learned from a crow, when we shared bread and cheese by the banks of the river.