Chronicles of Vieliria

[Roddek]

Roddek takes a seat. "We'll meet with your lord after we've finished our meals. It's been a long journey and all of us us could use some food and drink," he said, before anyone else could make their opinions know. Then Roddek proceeded to drink directly from one of the casks. It was clear by his voice, he wasn't eager to meet the lord right away and would probably delay the party until after he's sobered up unless others urged him to hurry.

[alhoon]

The guard looked dumpfounded at the dwarf that just turned down an invitation from his liege.
"Look, " he started to say annoyed "it's not..."
Kilfrid stops the guard before he says anything both him and Roddek would regret. "Threats won't get you far with a dwarf. Lord Matheron doesn't seem to be in a particular hurry to meet my guests. Also, if you care to look, the dwarf has very expensive armor on, a noble's insignia and the air of someone that is used to command men in battle and not be ordered around by the village watch."
The watchman frowns "A dwarf noble? Does it even count as nobility in these parts?"
"Why don't you ask Lord Matheron? And ask him whether he should meet with our guests now or after they've enjoyed the meal and drink they bought?"
Shaking his head, not waiting for a reply by anyone in the group the watchman turns and leaves. "Lord Matheron will have his lunch in a couple of hours. Perhaps you could join him after he has eaten with his family." he said without looking back and left the tavern.

Roddek, although a dwarf, didn't seem to be able to hold his liquor very well. After "just" half a gallon of ale, he feels tipsy. Good thing that Kilfrid the tavernkeeper managed to get them a couple of hours to sobber up. Arneu and Boiros seem sober enough, and soon the traveling performer and the cleric are lost in a discussion about what Arneu knew and what Boiros learned from the anchorites.
It seemed obvious that while Arneu thinks it's been just a couple of years since he visited, more than 5 years have passed in Vieliria.

As noon comes, a few of the farmers make their way to the tavern for their midday break and lunch. Boiros gets some respectful looks and some suspicious looks as usual. A couple of the villagers enter the tavern, spot the dwarf and leave in disgust after making subtle or less-subtle complains to Kilfrid about his clients; complains Kilfrid rebuffs sharply.
What appears to make an impression to those that hail from the misty domains of Ravenloft, is that a couple of people actually come to the tavern and greet the dwarf, saying that they heard about his affinity with metal from Frid and Tyrem, that delivered apples this noon. People that do that seem to draw confused and even suspicious stares from their fellow villagers.
For the most part people fall between those two extremes; they keep their distance from the dwarf and the newcomers and seem more or less uneasy about them.

[Naliamegod]

*G stays mostly quiet listening around for rumors or information. After hearing the dwarf come in and talk about meeting his noble, he scoffs* And why would he want to see us? Does he act like this with every new person here? *he smiles a bit before yelling to the bartender* Another keg please! And can I have some of those sausages that are being passed around?!

[Varrus the Ethical]

Wil looks around at the villages and chuckles a little to himself.

"I think they're starting to get used to us."

[VAN]

Boiros doesn't argue with Roddek about when go to Matheron, either way was good for him. He was a bit tired and didn't have food for some time but on the other hand was curious to know why a lord wants to meet them in such urge. The cleric believes that the lord might have heard that mists brought the party to Vielliria so Matheron wants to know more about the lands in the Core or just wants to meet an anchorite. He shakes his head letting these thoughts go away, soon he would have the answer anyway.

Boiros seems extremely interested in the time gap. He asks Arneu to repeat couple times his story and when these facts happened so he can verify that indeed there is the gap.

"Maybe the mists got us here to investigate this gap and bring time back to normal. For what I understand time goes faster here, so things that happened in 2 years here would have normally taken 5. So when we finally manage to go back to our homeland more time would have passed for all of us so we need to hurry. Vistani is our best bet to leave this land, of course the problem is where to find them and also to convince them taking us with them back to Core."

Turning to Wil he says:

"The words spread faster in a small community my friend. A noble dwarf, an anchorite, a troubadour and two other men with good quality armor and weapons for sure get the eye. Hope 2-3 hours are enough to finish our meal and drinks and get sober enough to meet with a lord. I'm curious as much as you to know why we have been summoned by Lord Matheron."

[alhoon]

After they've had some food and Roddek has sobbered up somewhat, the guard arrives again to lead them to Lord Matheron's house. The members of the party that accepted the invitation of Lord Matheron were escorted to a large 2-story house made from white, very light gray and yellowish-white stones, with a tiled roof. There's a well tended garden in front of the house that is surrounded by an elegant iron fence. While certainly the house is way grander than the small wooden houses that comprise the majority of Harpton and denotes a man of wealth, it's not anything spectacular or out of place. More or less the house one would expect a minor village noble to reside into.
The watchman leaves them outside the door and returns to his duties. Arneu knocks the large wooden door and after a few moments a butler in his early sixties with thinning white hair opens the door.
"Good afternoon" Arneu says with a nod. "We're here to visit Lord Louis Matheron, may he and his heirs prosper under the shield of Ezra" he said politely.
"Good afternoon gentlemen" the butler replied courtly. "Please follow me. Lord Matheron is in his study, along with his eldest son and heir, lord Jean Matheron and his trusted assistant and councilor, Reohore Geraum." His eyes linger a bit on the dwarf and his insignia, as he turns and moves in the house.
The group enters a large hall with elegant decoration and good illumination from the various windows. Polished wooden tiles comprise the floor and bronze decorations supplement the few paintings on the walls and the furniture. A large man is standing near a large wooden stair to the back. He's probably in his late 20s wearing chainmail armor, including a helmet, with a shield right beside him and a broadsword at his waist gives the group a nod as they pass by him to climb the stairs.
Upstairs they follow the butler to a neat wooden door. He knocks politely and after a couple of moments they hear a clear voice calling "Come in". The butler opens the door to a large study and says "Lord Matheron, your guests have arrived. Do you need anything my Lord?"

The study is a large room. The early afternoon sun illuminates a large sturdy desk made from polished wood that holds inkwells, quills and a few papers. A large library covers a wall of the room and the wooden floor is covered with a thick carpet. A suit of light chain mail decorates the other wall, along with a large, detailed map of Vieliria.

VIEW CONTENT:

Three men are standing in the room when the group enters. A young athletic man with light brown hair, in his late teens or early 20s, a thin gray-haired man with a long beard in his early 50s holding a quil and taking notes and finally a fit man, in his mid 40s dressed in a fine white linen shirt, dark blue trousers and black vest, with a rapier hanging by his belt.

The well dressed man, adresses the butler "Have your daughter prepare some tea for our guests" he says and turns to the group giving them a coursory look, taking their image in. He looks at all of them in turn and their equipment. Finally he says with a small polite smile and a steady voice.
"Welcome to Vieliria travelers. Share your names with me so we can talk. This is my aide Reohore Geraum, he takes care of many of the trivial tasks and day to day activities. He's my right hand, a wise councilor and a good friend." he said presenting the old bearded man who gave them a nod.
"This fine young man is my eldest son, Jean Matheron. And I'm Lord of Harpton, Louis Matheron"

[Naliamegod]

"Let's just call me G for now, if you don't mind." *he sorta shrugs his shoulder before he looks around the place* "Nice place. Got some nice stuff in here, eh?"

[Varrus the Ethical]

"Good day, My Lord." Wil bows slightly. "I am Wilfred, a ranger from the forests of Falkvoria."

[VAN]

Boiros isn't familiar with how should talk to a lord so he just bows and says:

"At your service my lord, my name is Boiros Brouillard an Anchorite from Dementlieu."

[Roddek]

Roddek spoke with the poise and practice of a nobleman. "My name is Roddek Greyaxe, second son of Clanleader Dorrek Greyaxe and head of the axebearer company, in defense of the mountain stronghold of Bazzratar and all its allies."

[alhoon]

A short, uneasy silence followed Roddek's declaration of his title. Louis Matheron broke the silence giving the dwarf a respectful nod of the head and saying "Welcome to Harpton Lord Greyaxe. I apologize for any greviance my peasants and vassals gave you. If that's agreeable to you Lord Greyaxe, I would welcome you to reside in my humble home as an honor guest while you stay in Harpton, as it's proper for a noble of your station."
Reohore made a slight frown but both the butler and Jean looked from Roddek to Matheron as if stunned from this display. Jean said "Father, this stronghold, Bazzratar is nowhere in Veiliria the same with this axebearer company..."
Lord Matheron turned to his son with a stern look and cut him midsentence. "Lord Greyaxe is the son of a leader and a commander of a company in the leader's army. He's also probably seen twice my years. I don't know, nor I care where this stronghold is. What I know is that Lord Greyaxe is clearly a noble. Whatever the size of the lands of Bazzratar stronghold, his noble father is at least as highborn as your great uncle, the Baron. You will treat Lord Greyaxe with the respect his station requires of you and your upbringing and you won't shame me or our family. Ezra knows my people have shown enough disrespect to him already."
Turning to the still stunned butler Louis Matheron said "Didn't I tell you to tell your daughter to prepare tea? Why you still stand here? Close the door as you leave"

Turning to the adventurers Louis Matheron talked to them in turn.
"Lord Greyaxe, I've been made aware of an incident of severe disrespect to your station in Kilfrid's tavern by one of my serfs named Germind. As a disciplinary measure, I was about to order his confinement to his house for 2 weeks. In those weeks, he would be allowed to feed only on bread, carrots, rice, cheese and water without a drop of wine. In the mean time, he would be required to pay a fine to Kilfrid equal to the money he spends on an average week in his tavern, to recompense Kilfrid from the loss of a customer. Is this punishment agreeable to you? "

"Warden Boiros, I was also saddly been made aware of an incident of blasphemy against the home faith outside Kilfrid's tavern by the grieving widow Sermine. Unlike Germind, the situation there is more delicate because of the emotional element in the crime. Yet, I can't let blasphemy go unpunished. I will avoid giving out corporal punishment and a public display but with a heavy heart, I have to order a heavy fine on widow Sermine. I'll have 4 of the 6 cows in her possession distributed to other serfs under my protection and I'll have her move from her house to a small cottage outside Harpton's walls."
At this point, Reohore intervened. "My Lord, while blasphemy is a serious crime and puts the whole community at risk, widow Sermine has provided, and lost, 2 sons for the faith of Ezra. She has many relatives close and distance among your people that grieve with her. With respect, I suggest a more lenient approach."
Lord Matheron shook his head "A noble scion and a representative of the Home Faith insulted in my village in the same hour, with calls to evil Gods. I won't tolerate it. If the Bishop of Razors was still in charge Reohore, you know I would have to give up widow Sermine to her inquisitors, which would lead to the widow's execution. And what if the baron decides to stop here one day and some villagers happen to see his son? Will they show the same disrespect they've shown to the newcomers? Perhaps give the baron himself a piece of their mind? The baron will bring twenty swords in Harpton the next day and heads will roll. Perhaps my own too.
My people will be reminded to show respect whatever they think about the nobility or the clergy."
Matheron sighs "Perhaps putting widow Sermine in her grief away from her friends will do more harm than good. Very well. She'll be instead be helping tending the shrine of Ezra and the graveyard for the rest of her life. Working where her family is resting will do her good."
Turning back to Boiros he said
"Forgive me for the interuption Warden. I was meaning to ask you a small favor. It is my understanding that you were all brought here by the Mists and that you'll be traveling to find a way to return to your homeland. In case you pass by the fief's main town, Mierana, the town ruled by my cousin Lord Eraffreu Alfeden could you give the temple of Ezra there the tithe required from me? As nobles, we're supposed to give 1 silver piece for every 20 we make to the Home Faith." Lord Matheron takes a grey leather purse from his office and hands it to Boiros if he accepts.

To Wilfred Lord Matheron says
"A ranger from the distant land of Falkovnia? Am I correct to assume that the absence of the falkon from your forehead means you weren't affiliated with the Kingfurher's army?
I also have a request of you Wilfred of Falkovnia. As you probably know already, we're at war with our neighbors, the county of Amerland. Thankfully Higelvent, the barony my estate is part of, doesn't see too much aggression. Regardless, we're oblidged to send levies to man the barony's towers and patrol the borders. The levies serve for a couple of months and then return home to be replaced with others. Last time, a few of my men fell ill because they drank foul water on the way. Since you're an experienced tracker and hunter, would you accept to accompany the levies in their the town Mierana, ruled by my cousin to help them hunt game and find drinkable water?
I'm sending my son Jean there along with the levies for some business with my retainer Serge, the man that you met in the entrance of Harpton. This trip would help you learn about the land, you'll get a few coins for your trouble from my cousin in Mierana."

To Garret Lord Matheron gave a stern look.
"Just G? In my experience, men that hide their name from those that welcome them in their house have more things to hide as well. I hope the display of my people since you arrived didn't give you the wrong impression G; We do not condone disrespect and trouble makers here. "

In the middle of the conversation, the old butler returned with a brass tray holding cups of tea, honey and spoons. Everyone seemed to get a silver spoon along with their tea to stir honey or milk if they wish so, with the notable exception of G. For some reason the butler brought G a clay spoon! Matheron frowned when he noticed the discrimination his butler showed to G but didn't say anything.

[Varrus the Ethical]

Wil scratches his beard.

"I could provide some assistance, My Lord. Though I would prefer if it was limited strictly to guidance and hunting. Getting involved in fighting between domains is something that makes me uncomfortable."

[VAN]

Boiros listens Matheron talking and announcing the punishment for the widow Sermine. Despite the blasphemy was clear and she has cursed him to lose his eyesight the cleric is glad that Matheron decides to be more lenient with her.

"You are a wise man lord Matheron. I don't tolerate blasphemy either but I understand grief. I'm not a noble but I think the punishment you have thought is right, maybe will even help her move on and live the rest her life in peace. I do hope Mighty Ezra will give her grace as well for the blasphemy and the curse...As about the favor, I will be happy to help you. I was planning to go to the town in order to take the token I need so I can heal the followers of the Lady of Mists. So it's like two birds with one stone for me."

Boiros takes the purse and puts it in a pocket of his cloak.

"My lord, may you give us horses so we can travel faster to the town?"

[alhoon]

Wil scratches his beard.

"I could provide some assistance, My Lord. Though I would prefer if it was limited strictly to guidance and hunting. Getting involved in fighting between domains is something that makes me uncomfortable."

"I understand of course, it's not your war mr. Wilfred, and thankfully we don't expent any kind of hostilities here. Misheril and the whole barony is somewhat distant from the war front. The occasional enemy or small patrol infiltrates and causes trouble, but it's safe as far as someone knows to not drink stale water or eat diseased animals."
Lord Matheron rubs his chin. "There have been a couple of reports of livestock falling sick the last couple of months as well as wild game. I hope it's not a lamb disease. At the times where my father was Lord of Harpton, we had one of those diseases spread in the area around Harpton and our serfs lost nearly half their sheep; we lost a dozen people too that ate the diseased meat. It took us years to recover."
"In any case mr Wilfred, some of the men more or less know the trail; All I ask, all I have the right to ask, is that you help them avoid setting the woods on fire, fall ill or wander around hills for days. My cousin will see that you're compensated for your efforts but don't expect a large reward. "
Turning to Roddek, Matheron adds "There's also a small dwarven community in my cousin's town lord Greyaxe. I think it numbers 6-7 of your people. A couple of them are not from the Veilirian dwarven holdings. Perhaps you'll find one that is from your parts."

"My lord, may you give us horses so we can travel faster to the town?"

"I'm afraid I can't spare any of the few horses we have in the estate Warden. My son will take one and I would like to keep the rest here for safety reasons, in case we need to send a rider out fast. Don't worry, the trip to the town takes about a day and half usually when one travels on foot."

Lord Matheron addresses again all of the group. "I don't make any promises, but if you give me a couple of weeks, I'll search my books to try figure why you were brought here and if there's a little known mist-way to safely send you back to the other lands of the realms of the Mists, beyond Vieliria."

[Naliamegod]

*G gets taken aback from the comment* I am sorry to sound like a trouble maker, I am from a different place and your customs are not use to me. *if bothered by the lack of a silver spoon bothers him, he doesn't seem to show on his face. He eat and drinks while looking around listening to the conversations*

"Eh.. I'll help too, I guess. Don't have any issues with your faith and I could use the time to figure out everything here. Any other ragtag adventures come through this town that you know of?"