Past Events Kanday

The Last Spark of Rethem Larane 724
The spring and early summer for Henwe, saw the demise of many of it's important personas. The loss of the members of the mages guild was seen by some as a good omen and by others perhaps the loss of vital protectors. Regardless the storm clouds of war came yet again. With Earl Tolas Garawe and many of his men sent east to Tharda (at the Kings request) Henwe and Weseda were left largely undefended. However suspecting foul intent Tolas left behind many of his most trusted and loyal men to watch over the lands. As always his intuition was spot on.  A couple of tendays after Tolas and the men of Henwe and Selvos left, a large, albeit ill equipped, band from Rethem made a desperate last attempt to resecure Weseda. With quick action of behalf of Lord's Arek and Earlham a joint Henwe and Wesda force quickly and utterly destroyed the force from Rethem. Although there were casualties, the battle saved the region the loss of it's most vital trade port.

Halane 724
As winter approaches several of the Barons and Earls in Northwest Kanday, who had been sent on a wild goose chase, returned at the urging of the Prince and the Grandmaster of Menekod to make a final assault on Omnis. For nearly 3 years Omnis has remained a key to the gateway of Golotha and it's stubborn resistance had to finally be eliminated. With months of preparation an all out assault on the keep was finally committed to. The fighting had been fierce but Sir Lorik (under the command of Sir Arek) with a rag tag company of yeoman and conscripts was able to secure the top of on of the two towers of Omnis. Within hours and with minimal loss the attackers had managed to sieze the well defended keep. Although afterwards the conditions that the defenders had been living under was quite apparent. They had resorted to all sorts of acts to survive and the physical condition of the men was weakened at best.

Further rumors that perhaps the King had indeed conspired to "turn over" Weseda to Rethem in order to secure a peace may have some merit. The logic would make some sense as a peace with Rethem might now be possible with the annihilation of the Copper Hook. Unrest in Tharda might also pose a problem for Kanday as her forces have been drained from the last several years conflict with its northern neighbor. The King has been quite vocal about his opposition to conflicts and it would seem in character for him to wish a peace at nearly any cost.

Spring 724
After the discovery of the great beast near Mt Henwik a plan was put in place to defeat the beast and send it back to where it had come from. Lord Arek along with Lord Earlham gathered together a small group of trusted men and a plan to smite the beast. After completion of 3 Ballistae they set an ambush in the fields of Gomis. The plan would be to wait for the creature from hidden locations where they had place a number of sheep. In the middle of the night the creature stuck with such ferocity that in a moment the first Ballistae was taken out along with one of Lord Areks Yeoman. A second ballistae let fly its spear only to be answered by a burst of flame from the creature that engulfed and area where many of the ambushers had been hiden. All were seriously wounded and Master Giearrd was incecinerated in an instant, along with his magical artifacts. In a strange event Master Gierrads body was seemingly transformed into a heathy oak.  Perhaps he is not dead but only preserved until he can once again be brought back...

Elsewhere the mages of Bildel had a secret plan of thier own to deal with the dragon. They set off the night before the ambush leaving little note to thier plan only that they expected to deal with the beast "peaceably". They were never heard from again.

End of the Old Year and In with the New Winter 723 and Spring 724
Perhaps a prelude to another unpleasant new year as Rethemi forces attack Bildel. Apprently the assassinations of key Shek Pvar in Golotha has led to a bloodletting in the streets. As a result a apprentice escaped from his former masters looking to share his invlauable insight into the Renegade order of Shen Avak. Having made his way to Henwe he was allowed to stay but those in Golotha were not so eager to let loose of this young man. They attacked and were soundly defeated by Sir Earlham and his men at the Manor of Bildel.  Over two dozen casualties were realised by the Rethemi including a number of knights of the defunct order of the Copper Hook.

Winter was harsh and was only to be followed in the spring by a series of strange an mysterious events not to mention the underground dealings of Merchants of Kanday. 724 opened with an Earthquake followed by a flood . It would later be determined that this event had unleashed a new plague on the land.

Earl Tolas returned with his new wife in hand and many concerns for the Earldom. In Dyrisa it is widly believed by some that the recent Marriage of the King with a Tharan Princess has not been met with fanfare in Coronan. In fact many believe that a chasam in the Senate has emerged with some factions threatening to side with Rethem and others with Kanday. Further Earl's Temmellin and Tolas believe that their hold could in the Northwest could be bargained away with the Kings desire for peace. However the Kings younger brother is promissing to support the lands in the Northwest as "the dike to hold back the Rethemi tide" . A three-way pact between Heroth, Selvos and Henwe was agreed upon in secret as a threat from the King Andasins dovish stance threatens a weak support of the Northern Earls.

Lord Arek with Lord Earham became involved a a scheme to undermind Rethems economy. Although the coordination and operations of the plot have clearly been concocted over months and implemented by unknown forces of Kanday and it's agents all around Western Harn. Apparently King Chafin was convinced that he could break the Kandians by buying huge numbers of Kandian Usury notes from Merchants all around Western Harn (although this had been ellaborate ruse by forces, presumably in Kanday). These notes had been priced at incredible discounts because rumors had abounded about Kandays near Bankruptcy. Chafin used his treasury to buy 5000 L at 120 pence on the pound, of notes with the intent of using Thardan and Kandaian Merchants to redeem these notes at face value. With Kandian merchants faced with such a large demeption this would have been the final blow to the Kandian Treasury and its merchants. However the ruse seems to have its origins in Kanday. 3000 L of Chafins silver (possibly the entirity of his treasury) was risked on this one gamble to break Kanday and its Usurers. However Rethemi agents in Golotha unbeknownst were accumulating these notes for a final strike on the wealthly Kandians. The silver was procured by Lord Arek and Company on a Dak in Weseda (the origins again unknown). The silver was then secretly taken to a hiding place where few are aware. This was yet only the first part of the operation. The next key was to now recover the notes before they could be laundered back though agents. Fortunately Arek and his group were able to infiltrate Golotha and determine that the intermediary had planned to sail with the notes to Aleath and unleash his attack by selling all of these notes en masse in the heart of Aleath. Like a virus these notes would have arrived in a couple tendays at all of the merchants and Crown of Kanday essentially evaporating all of the cash from Kanday. Yet in a secret operation Lord Arek and his crew were able to sieze the ship at sea and make sure the vessel was never seen again.

As the spring proceeded strange happening near Cyneris and Gomis south of Henwe were beginning to sound of something serious. Shorthly after the Earthquake there was suddenly missing livestock on a nearly nightly occurrence.   Initially believed to be brigands a series of night watches were unable to remain awake long enough to determine the perpatrators. However on the 4th day of the stake one of the Sages in Bildel decided to explore up a small creek with 3 Yeoman in tow. What they found was disturbing. In fact an entrance to some underground cavern system had unleashed something.  The something as it turned out was determined by the group as a massive Flying Fell BEast nearly 60' in length. The beasts sheer size and ferocicty cut down 2 of the yeoman in mere seconds. The sage and Tharis the light Horseman managed to escape certain death and report to Earl Tolas. Leading over 40 men and knights to the lair of the beast they were assaulted by a magic attack from the creature. A full half of the men fell into a coma and dropped to the ground. Arek leading the expedition determined, rightfully so, that the assaults was suicide and that another plan would have to be determined. They retreated with no casualties to Henwe.

Fallen Heros, Funerals and Weddings Fall 723

The adventure into the mines was a distaterous event for the Nbles of Henwe. Earl Garawe was off to his soon to bethrothed in Selvos. Constable Idan and others met with hundreds of Foulspawn in the Mines nead Weseda. Many were lost most notably Sir Kyran Olzdan, Lord Fandwart, The Paladin Tamel Garawe and Lord Lavro Kesid. Such a loss of so many would normally be felt in times of war but such an unexpected loss plays poorly for the when he needs every man he can muster against Rethem.

The Earl after hearing the news was distraught but proceeded with his Marriage to Marrin Chayrn of Selvose to blood bond the two northern Earldoms together. After the brief ceremony prayers were said for the recently passed Earl Grolis Chahryn the party departed to wedding of the King and his new bride from Tharda. As an attempt to seal the peace bewteen Tharda and Kanday.

All is well in Henwe and Weseda...or not Fall 723

With the united Earldom of Henwe operating much as it should and Weseda offering its help with trade the partnership was brought closer in Azura. The Valkar Thaand in Weseda held a Fair and Feast to bring his people and that of the other nobles in the region closer. For the most part successfully. Squires and brides were made from a folk far from home. The Orbaalese have quickly called Kanday home and have been accepted with open arms.

Politically the Earl of Henwe, Tolas Garawe has married into the Chahryn Clan by marrying Marrin, Sir Temeillins daughter. Further news from the Royal court is that the King plans to marry a Thardic woman of some import. Her name and station a guarded state secret at this time. But rumor is that the republic and Kanday will split Western Harn down the Thard. This is certainly ill news for Rethem.

Locally in Henwe a small disruption in iron supplies brought about a catastrophic event. Sir Idan along with Sir's Olzdan, Kesid, Ealrhan and Fandawart were investigating (in force) the recent lack of activity at the Weseda Mines. It was determined that the mines have been out of operation for some months. Further the reason is clear that Foulspawn have taken up residence and the Baron of Weseda has been downplaying the issue, perhaps out of saving of face or ignorance of the truth. The company from Henwe along with 15 other men advanced on the mines. In an attempt to quickly secure the mines they decided to enter. Spliting forces they advanced into the tunnels in small groups. However the mines are filled with the evil Gargun and their small exploration parties were outnumbered and over come. Most of those who went into the mines came out in various states. So far, however, Sir Kesid and Sir Tamel are missing. Yet if they have met with thier end they may soon be met in Dolithor by the others who are currently engaged in a battle outside of the mines. We shall see how our heros fare.

Good and Evil in Henwe, Summer to Fall 723

The evils of the former Kingdom are still clearly imbedded deep in the peoples of Henwe. Strange priests and murders of good and ill alike abound in the lands of Henwe. Recent disturbing events at Gomis have reignited the uneasy feelings of thier new lands and serfs. It appears that the dark religions of Morgath are practiced by many in the area, a fact that haunts the thoughts of all new to this land. Yet it is clear that these agents of evil are many and are hidden well in the manors and villages of the region.

Even with all the ill tidings in Henwe the power of the new Earl is solidifying itself daily. With Clan Garawe marrying the Earl to the daughter of the Earl of Selvos, the power allegiance is formidable to say the least. Further a marriage between Earl Tolas' younger sister and the son of the Lord High Chancellor of the Kingdom now solidifies his place in the Royal Court. His cousin Arek Alren having been reinstated as Lord of Urost and appointed as Bailiff of Alaban Manor the home front seems for once seems calm albeit a bit uneasy. The church has recently been assured by the new Earl that a Grand Temple will be built as a symbol to help quell and inspire goodness in the torn land. It is now the Earls eye that is focused firmly on the lands with the intent of rooting out the evils that have made this land home.

With the help of Father Darius and the piety of the local knights and lords it is clear that evil has a fight to contend with.

Spring and Summer 723...An Old Friend Returns

Spring has brought new hope to the peoples of Henwe. Yet the old evils of yesterdays still haunt the land. The town of Henwe has seen significant expansion and a increasingly more robust economy. The first fair held since the war was marginally successful but was very effective at bringing new faces and skills to the Barony. Over the spring as all were aware the Kings vist grew nearer by the day. Preparations were in full swing as the Barony prepared to present itself as a new Bronial seat...perhaps even the seat of a grand new Earldom. Yet the taint of the Dark Lords of Chaos is still to be rooted out. Metaas now seems to have agents of Morgath with in it's very village.

With all the dark tidings came wonderful news. Arek Alren was indeed alive and had escaped his captives in Rethem. His story of capture and his escape did not however bring comfort. As was believed his father had indeed fallen to the Shadow and was seeking to turn his son into yet another servant of teh dark lord. The former sir Telark came to Henwe with his followers to retrieve Arek but the forces at Henwe we too pious to be overcome.

With all that Henwe had to deal with, the summer did come and the King did arrive, and with much negotiations and concession the title and land of Earl was bestowed upon Tolas Garawe. Yet this title came with a price. The loss of the support of the Charyn Family was a great and heartfelt loss. Also the unknown repurcussions of the disdain of other lords and great clans of the realm have not yet been felt. With all that there are still clouds of war in the north.

Spring 723 In-king-sistency

After months of struggle and work, Baron Tolas, his lords and followers have finally begun to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Finding craftsmen, guildpeople, men at arms, staff, and getting the peasants settled may have all been nothing more than a volunteer effort if the kings gets his way. Under the influence of other lords and advisors the Kings is reconsidering the holding of Henwe. It seems that fear of having the Earl of Selvos with another keep so close to his dominion and far from central Kanday does present some fears. However as it turns out Lord Kesid and Baron Tolas have influential members of the Kings Council including the Lord High Chamberlain and the Chancellor of Kanday. The hopes are that with these friends and others impressed by the deeds of the Baron will result in Tolas maintaining his hold on the region. Perhaps there is even more than meets the eye as the new Valkaar at Weseda is in dire need of friends and the King of Kanday is less than enthusiastic about Orbaalese lords in his court. But perhaps there is something that can be done to bring Weseda into the fold.

New Neihbors and Strange Events

Now in spring of 723 the Barony is struggling to it's feet. People have been spared what might have been a disaster. The winter led to some unusual and yet very concerning events. Although the people fared as well as could be expected, crime has been rampant. The people, whose moral compass is somewhat askew, have been committing crimes from theft to as serious as rape and murder. Further it is quite clear that after engaging several animated corpses near Bildel, that Morgaths presence is still felt.

With all that is problematic in Henwe itself the new Valkaar in Weseda is quite amiable and is quite friendly. The Orbaalese mercenaries have take Weseda and it now seems plan to stay indefinitely. They expressed serious concerns over Rethem and its king and clearly look like they could be very good allies if not vassals.

Rescue of Conlon Ilvin of 722.
It turns out that Conlon Chahryn was indeed in the care of the Earl of Tormau. But as fate would have it, the Earl's Orbaalese mercenaries, like wild dogs, turned on thier master. After defeating Tormau the Orbaalese found a treasure trove in the grandson of the Earl Chahryn. They attempted to blackmail the Earl of a Kings ransom. Sir Temellin sent Lord Tolas and company to attempt to secure Conlons safe return. As it would turn out the Constable in Weseda had turned to King Chafin and the Orbaalese when his Lord was defeated. Operating from Weseda the Orbaalese attepted to collect the debt. However while away looking for the randsom Sir's Tolas, Earlham and Idan along with the mage Giearrd attepted to negotiate the release of Conlon from Sir Horsik at Weseda. Rather than negotiation the Constable attepted to secure them as additional ransoms. Yet in a twist of events the intended prisoners got the upperhand and captured the constable and killed 4 of his men in the process. Upon return to Selvos a great and maginificent feast was held in honor of the heros.

A Sigh of Relief

Tolas and company have gotten down to the business of working to establish a functional fief. With much tiral and tribulation the Robber Lords Fandawart and Eastmar have come unto the fold of the Barony of Henwe. After taking oaths to Larani and Kanday they have sworn fealty to Baron Tolas Garawe. Much of the population have returned to what is left of their homes. The policy of pardoning the local brigands has resulted in an influx of zealous farmers, but may result in longer term emergence of a criminal element. However the general fear of Rethem and a harsh winter have brought everyone together for the common good. At this point due to lack of management many of the manors have gone into significant disrepair. Tolas, Idan, Earlham, Tamel and the rest have been working 16 hours a day on minimal sleep just to keep up with the issues of running the manors.

On a potentialy brighter note, some Orbaalese have approached the Earl of Selvos and requested a ransom of 1000 pounds silver for the return of Conlon. With the recent war Selvos' coffers are drained and there is no possibility of findind such funds. In an attempt to retrieve young Conlon Tolas and company will attempt to track down Conlon and retrieve him without the requested payment.

Azura 722 The Aftermath of War

Sir Tolas and company now find themselves surveying the surrounds of Henwe. A month before fighting men of both sides were the dominant highlights of the landscape. Now all that remains is the burned and charred ruins of the manors, fields & fences. Presently the peasants of the manors are returning to what used to be thier homes to find ruins. Tools broken, livestock dead or missing, homes burned and fields fallow, is all that remains. Of the Manors, Larton and Hydmir seem to have dodged the brunt of the conflict, primarily due to the fact that some self appointed lords have stepped in and taken care of the management. The danger of the region is even more apparent when the group came across a wagon train destined to bring them supplies. All men and materiel were killed and stolen.

Defense of Henwe and the Midnight Massacre

In late summer 722 the forces at Henwe have repelled the kings forces, albeit narrowly. With some minor reinforcements Sir Tolas and company return to Hyen to discuss strategy with Lord Temellin. While in Hyen only a couple of days later the forces of Kandian that are laying siege at Omnis are about to be beset upon by Rethemi forces. Knowing this in advance and using the forces of the Mage Giearrd a full company of mounted knights and retainers of Selvos ride for nearly 24 hours to ambush the Rethemi. Although initially the Kandians massacre an entire 100 men it turns out they were merely levies and foot. The following morning a Rethemi contingent of Knight ride forth to pursue the Kandians. However instead of running the forces under the command of Lord Temmelin & Sir Tolas elect to fight head on. Although slightly outnumbered the cause of Larani was too great. With only 1 knight sent to Dolithor the entire Rethemi company was killed or captured. Word from the north has been entirely too quiet, nothing of the Earl of Tormau or the fate of Conlon.

Battle of Henwe Agrazhar 722

The summer nears conclusion with the Rethem in control of the enviorns of Henwe. With little support of local lords (only 3 rallied to the aid of the Baron) the contingent of Henwe was manned by 3 knight of Rethem and 16 light infantry. In all of wars irony, Sir's Tolas, Idan, Tamel and Earlham and thier 6 squires and men at arms comprised the majority of Henwes defense. As the siege looked grim for the defenders a re-shift of loyalties from Kanday back to rethem caused a rift in it's 2 groups of defenders. With Laranis grace the Kandians, who were themselves betrayed, defeated the forces of Baron Pozen and then managed a defensse to hold off the Rethemi forces for over a ten day. Several attempts to take the walls with poorly equipped militia were no match for the battle hardened knights of Kanday. After loosing nearly half of thier numbers Henwe stood defended by Kanday.

Elsewhere in Kanday, rumor of assaults by Tharda into both Rethem and Kanday bring both glee and anxiety to the forces of Kanday. Initial reports of Thardas assualt into Kanday are that the Republics forces were annahilated in the woods south of Kuseme. Further there is a claim by some that Marshall Kronos and 13 members of various senate families are now guests in Dyrisa. If true this is then truely Laranies grace shines brightly on the Kingdom.

The Long Hot Summer of 722

Sir Tolas and company spent several months in the uncomfortable surrounds of the keep at Henwe. Their current host Baron Pozen had willingly accepted his guests as a temporary safeguard against any of his former Agrikan friends. Months of purging had left Henwe deeply depleted in manpower and in a state of partial revolt. Some lords who initially felt Kanday would be a more favorable ally than the King of Rethem found themselves worried about thier own fate as Agrikans. If this alone was not a justification for turning on the Baron of Pozen the arrival of King Chafins forces in Midsummer of 722 quickly forced all question. Chafin had mustered enough support to launch a surprise attack on Henwe. However unknown is how is this possible without the fall or demise of the keep at Weseda. Last known was that forces of Kanday and the Checkered Shield continued from Hyen to pursue the Copper Hook to the Thard. At present Sir Tolas and his forces are besieged in Henwe. Thier small band along with a couple of dozen of Pozens men are all that are holding against 200+ of King Chafins forces waiting like wolves out side the gates. Provisions might last until fall or even winter but from the looks of things the Rethemi forces don't look like they want to wait it out.

Rethemi Aftermath

After the initial battle at Vendik Hill the Rethemi forces had retreated north to the safety of Golotha and Shostim. Much oftheir equipment was left on the field behind and perhaps postponing the ability of their forces to counter attack. Shortly after the battle, Hyen would fall with minimal losses or casualties. Apparently shortly before the invasion by Selvos a series of peasant revolts would force the garrison to venture out to quell them. A massive ambush would kill the majority of the garrison at Hyen leaving it completly undefended. With the battle and siege at Hyen being a quick and relative success the forces of Selvos and Menekod would begin setting up the new government. Locals welcomed the Laranians with wide open and welcoming arms. Just to the north at the Barony of Henwe the locals would feel quite differently. Almost immeadiately the Baron Pozen would begin the execution and assasination of those die hard Agrikans in an attepmt to avoid future dissention and earn the needed trust of the Laranian Church authorities.

The Battle of Vendik Hill 10-11 of Nuzyael 722

In the midst of the Hills NE of Hyen lies an unremarkable hill of little note or interest. However in the spring of 722, this little noticed landmark would come to mark one of the bloodiest battles in the some years on the Isle of Harn. The forces of Selvos in an attempt to foil a Rethemi ambush maneuvered into a position just west of the hill. Shortly after daybreak 40 knights and nearly 400 of the men of Selvos and the King would advance up the slope under the cover of fog. The battle was joined at the crest of the hill near a small makeshift wall. 4-5 hours later the forces of Selvos would retreat with half the men that went up. Lord Arek would return seriously injured. Sir Tolas would also return with numerous injuries, perhaps even enough to down a stout Reksyni mount. Sir Idan and many other knights would return without their trusted steeds. While others such as Sir Kyram would prove that Kandays next generation of fighting men are not without courage. However the future of this war, now joined, is far from known. The forces of Selvos, now battered and beaten will return to Hyen to fullfill thier obligation to take Hyen for it's King. Although the battle was disasterous for the Kaniansit turned out that the Baron of Henwe would arrive to strike his first blow against Chafin. Nevertheless it is assured that there will be at least one new Barons under the banner of Kanday. How many battles, how long will it take, and how many friends will be standing by the time this business is through? Only the gods will know and only then after welcoming many a follower home

Fall 721 to Spring 722

The group was best upon by the Baron Pozen of Henwe. After much deliberation it was decided that the the Baron of Henwe and the acting Earl of Selvos would meet in secrecy. The two forces agreed to join the battle on the same side in spring. The winter was spent in Urost, preparing for the coming storm. Upon springs return the forces of Selvos quickly marched on Hyen. Only a couple of chapterhouses were left manned. Some had been burned to the ground and one had even executed it;s populace. The forces of Hyen had retreated presumably North but was later determined east. A odd little Owl managed to search the wooded valley east of Hyen and found a 1000 men lying in wait. A trap for sure! The forces of Menekod would be destroyed if warning hadn't been made. As of yet Gierrad was sent as a messenger to the forces of Menekod to warn them. But how can an urban healer get there, can he, did he? It is unknown but in 2 days time all will be made clear. Either the Checkered shield will fall victim to a Rethemi trap or the coordinated forces of Kanday will smash the Hook once and for all.