Just over 15 years(10 years ago in the Griffin Mountain Campaign as written) ago King Yalaring Monster Slayer was an upstart adventurer making his name across Balazar. Like most with a group of compatriots, friends and hangers on.
These people were key figures Yalarings campaign when he usurped the Gadaringer dynasty and formed his inner circle.
What happened to Yalaring is well known , but his friends and compatriots have had different fates, Some still live in Trilus others will visit from time to time. Let me introduce them;
Karani Bluestone
Head of the Citadel Guard, Initiate of Foundchild
Karani was King Yalaring’s closest friend when they were growing up and remains so. Born a balazaring hunter in the Impala clan he is a small and wiry man, who is competent in battle but by no means the greatest of warriors . However he is brave, tenacious and absolutely ruthless.
As head of the citadel guards in Trilius is absolutely loyal to Yalaring. Presenting as a scruffy looking, softly spoken man with pock marked cheeks, outsiders often mistake him for a minor official and do not understand his position and import in the Citadel.
He will rarely involve himself directly in physical conflicts, and will be seen directing proceedings from the rear. He is however intelligent and leads well, few would criticise his leadership style and those that may, would do so quietly as most within the citadel fear his ruthless streak. He is passionate in this defence of King Yalaring and his family and would willing exceed both is orders and the limits of the law to defend his friend.
His is suspicious of anyone he does not know, and his manner will be obviously guarded and hostile until he believes that someone is not a threat. He has a low opinion of Lunars and will take a while longer for him to cease to suspect them of foul play.
Karani is still a hunter at heart and will enjoy joining his king in regular hunts. He takes an active interest in all foreigners that he meets, and seeks to understand what he can from history whenever he gets opportunity. As such he can often be seen meeting with Quintas to talk or borrowing scrolls as he tries to educate himself.
His earned name or nick names is taken from a magical broach which he wears which was a present from Yalaring. No one is sure of what it does, buts its magical nature is there for all to see.
| Nature: | Martyr |
| Demeanour: | Guardian |
| Physical: | Strength 3, Dexterity 3, Stamina 3 |
| Mental: | Intelligence 3 , Wits 4, Perception 4 |
| Social: | Manipulation 3 , Appearance 2, Charisma 3 |
| Talents: | Alertness 3, Athletics 2, Brawl 3,Dodge 3 ,Empathy 2 , Intimidation 4 ,Streetwise 4, Subterfuge 3 |
| Skills: | Archery 3, Commerce 1, Crafts 1, Etiquette 2, Leadership 4, Melee 3 ,Riding 3 , Stealth 3 ,Survival 3 |
| Knowledge’s: | Academics 2,Culture 2,Investigation 4,Languages 2,Medicine 2, Myth 2, Politics 4, Divine Lore 2, Spirit Lore 2 |
| Essence | 3 |
| Quintessence: | 15 |
| Willpower: | 7 |
| Runes: | Harmony 2, Death 4, Darkness 2, Movement 2, Truth 2 |
| Spirit Magic: | Bear Witness 2, Disruption 2, Bladesharp 2, Mobility 2, Countermagic 4, Farsee, |
| Rune Magic: | Pact Foundchild 6pt – Sureshot |
| Virtues: | Vigor 3, Trust 5, Generosity 4 |
| Backgrounds: | Allies 3, Artefact 4, Contacts 4, Cult Status 2, Dogs 1, Family 2, Homestead 4, Influence 5, Mentor 1, Mount 3, Past Lives 2, Ransom 4, Resources 3, Status 4, Witta 4 |
| Flaws & Merits | Code of Honor (1pt Merit), Driving Goal (3pt Flaw), Reputation (2pt Merit) |
| Equipment: | 3 pt composite armour, 2 pt shortspear, 2pt shortsword, Broach -Protection 4 matrix, Good Riding Horse. |
Wulmor Redfang
Grand Master of the Hounds, Master Hunter and Devotee of Dog Brother
An mature balazaring hunter approaching 40 years of age, Wulmor often took his fighting dogs on trips with a younger Yalaring, and lost two of his favourite dogs in the famous monster slaying incident which gave Yalaring his titled name.
Supporting Yalaring all through his campaign to become king. He was rewarded with the title the grand master of hounds . He now is responsible for all the dogs in the citadel which is a great honour but also a burden for Wulmor as he desperately wants to be great hunter, but will be frustrated because his role forbids it. He still hunts alone when he can but it is never as often as he would wish.
An irreverent, energetic, optimistic and even jolly man. Wulmor often runs the book on who will each year’s great hunt and his love of gambling is almost as great as his love of dogs.
He is a large, but well muscled, often oiled shaved head with intricate tattoos down the side and back of his head and neck. He is usually accompanied by three large war dogs, who seem very friendly docile when with him, but do worry all but the bravest of souls.
He hates pig the farmers. who return the favour as they blame him for the ban that saw them bared from the citadel proper. Rumours abound that he once killed a pig farmer in a bar room fight but it has been covered up and justice was never done.
| Nature: | Optimist |
| Demeanour: | Jester |
| Physical: | Strength 4, Dexterity 3, Stamina 4 |
| Mental: | Intelligence 3, Wits 3, Perception 4 |
| Social: | Manipulation 2, Appearance 3, Charisma 4 |
| Talents: | Alertness 4, Athletics 3, Brawl 4, Dodge 3, Empathy 1, Intimidation 3, Streetwise 3, Subterfuge 2 |
| Skills: | Archery 4, Animal Ken 4, Commerce 2,Crafts 1, Leadership 2,Melee 3,Riding 1,Stealth 4,Survival 4 |
| Knowledge’s: | Culture 1,Languages 2,Medicine 2,Myth 4,Politics 2, Divine Lore 2 , Spirit Lore 3 |
| Essence | 5 |
| Quintessence: | 19 |
| Willpower: | 4 |
| Runes: | Beast 5, Earth 2, Harmony 3, Death 4 |
| Spirit Magic: | Beast Call 2, Vigor 2, Heal 2, Bludgeon 3, Protection 2, Ironhand 2 |
| Rune Magic: | Pact Foundchild – 5pt, Sureshot, Dog brother – 7pt draw beast, beastmaster |
| Virtues: | Vigor 5, Trust 4, Generosity 4 |
| Backgrounds: | Allies 2, Artefact 2, Contacts 3, Cult Status 4, Dogs 5, Family 3, Homestead 3, Influence 4, Past Lives 2, Ransom 4, Resources 3, Status 4, Witta 4 |
| Flaws & Merits | Compulsive speech – 1pt flaw, Intolerance pigs -1pt flaw, Group enmity -pig farmers 1pt flaw, |
| Equipment: | 3pt Composite armour, Large Mace 3pt, Staff of Office – with 7pt power storage crystal, Horn, Bag of Treats, a Pack of dogs |
Votani Surefoot
Balazaring Hunter and Initiate of Foundchild
Votani was a troublemaker, contemporary and companion of Yalaring who was famed for his night time free climb of the outside of Trilus walls the night of the final assault. It was an act of outstanding skill and bravery that enabled the end of the Gadaringer dynasty and Yalaring’s ascent to power.
Afterwards he was asked to stay on in the citadel guard but hated life in citadel and returned to his clan, but stays infrequently often heading off it the mountains on his own. He spends much of his time climbing solo in the Rockwood Mountains. Sometimes returning to his clan or to visit old friends in Trilus but his visits are always short.
By far the most famous mountain climber in Balazar. He is small wiry well balanced man in the peak of physical fitness. He has a calm intensity about him and sets about tasks with a stubborn determination. He appears overconfident in his abilities but has not suffered as yet.
Votani likes and enjoys people but is one life’s introverts, he can be very gregarious and friendly for short periods of time, but will then want to retreat into his own company or that of close friends. However he loves solitary activity and if not mountain climbing is a very keep spear fisherman, as such the spear he usually carry’s has barbs for fishing.
He has developed a friendship with Starnia over the years, and is welcome on Dykene lands because of it, using her name to settle trespass issues with a number of clans. He has also developed friendships with a couple of wind children, who have been curious to see him climb as high as he does. He has however been warned off the mountains near Greatway by Dwarves more than once, and he will not get a warning next time.
Working with the help of Ganaring Dreamspinner the shaman, Votani has found and captured obscure spirits that can help him climb, and is one of the few people in the world to know the spell he calls surefoot( extra dice on climb, and balance rolls ). His shaman friend also makes sure he is well prepared with spirit charms.
Votani married a woman from the Dirt badger clan, and though they had one child, the marriage failed due to his long absences and wayward eye. His former wives clan mates are seeking recompense of vengeance.
He has seen the summit Kero Fin from the top of the rockwood mountains and has made it an ambition to scale the mountain if he can.
| Nature: | Thrill Seeker |
| Demeanor: | Loner |
| Physical: | Strength 4, Dexterity 5, Stamina 5 |
| Mental: | Intelligence 2 , Wits 3 , Perception 4 |
| Social: | Manipulation 2 , Appearance 3, Charisma 3 |
| Talents: | Alertness 2, Artistic 2, Athletics 5, Brawl 3,Dodge 3, Streetwise 1 ,Subterfuge 1 |
| Skills: | Archery 3, Crafts 2, Etiquette 1,Leadership 1, Melee 2 , Stealth 3, Survival 4 |
| Knowledge’s: | Culture 2 ,Investigation 1,Languages 1,Medicine 3, Myth 2, Divine Lore 1, Spirit Lore 4 |
| Essence | 3 |
| Quintessence: | 14 |
| Willpower: | 8 |
| Runes: | Air 3, Harmony 1, Death 1, Mastery 3, Movement 3 |
| Spirit Magic: | Surefoot 3, Speedart, Detect, Shimmer 2, Countermagic 3, Mobility 3 |
| Rune Magic: | Foundchild Pact 2 |
| Virtues: | Vigor 5, Trust 4, Generosity 3 |
| Backgrounds: | Allies 3, Artefact 2, Contacts 3, Cult Status 2, Destiny 4, Dogs 2, Influence 3, Ransom 3, Resources 3, Status 3 |
| Flaws & Merits | Daredevil, Catlike Balance, Overconfident |
| Equipment: | 2pt leather Armour, warm furs, slings, dagger, 1 spear, Spirit Charms – Heal 5,4,2,2 Bladesharp 2,2,2 Warmth 5,4,4 |
Baha Basak
Pentian, Initiate of Yu-Karzgant
A wandered from Pent, Baha is hunting his brothers killer for some 20 years now, has sworn not to return to his people till he finds him. he believes the killer fled through Balazar and into the Lunar Empire.
After the killers trail went cold he met and helped Yalaring he became a constant ally and help for a number of years and saving his life on more than once instance. He was rewarded with a place in the citadel guard, but felt compelled to continue his search soon after. He was returned and left numerous times since, and Kind Yalaring is pleased to give him that freedom.
Upon meeting him Baha has the feel of a man who is constantly alert. To strangers he has the manner of a hard man of the steppes, implacable and a seasoned warrior. When you know him he is different with a funny, witty, if caustic sense of humour and a is a warm and generous friend.
He feels a failure because of his lack of success in his quest and would be mortified to find out his brothers killer returned to their people some 10 years ago. He would apoplectic of he found out that Karani had told the killer of his vow and advised him to head home, in an attempt to permanently gain his services.
Baha is a fine horseman and one of the few men in Balazar skilled in mounted archery. He is also a skilled bow-maker and can make composite bows which he has gifted to some friends in the citadel guard of Trilus.
He has travelled widely looking for his brothers killer and can tell many tales of his time on the road. Some seem too extreme to be true.
| Nature: | Predator |
| Demeanour: | Wanderer |
| Physical: | Strength 3, Dexterity 4, Stamina 3 |
| Mental: | Intelligence 2 , Wits 3 , Perception 4 |
| Social: | Manipulation 2, Appearance 2, Charisma 3 |
| Talents: | Alertness 3, Artistic 1, Athletics 4, Brawl 4,Dodge 4, Empathy 1, Intimidation 3 , Streetwise 2,Subterfuge 2 |
| Skills: | Archery 5, Commerce 1,Crafts 4,Leadership 2, Melee 3,Riding 5,Stealth 3, Survival 3 |
| Knowledge’s: | Culture 3, Investigation 3, Languages 3, Medicine 2, Politics 1, Divine Lore 2, Spirit Lore 2 |
| Essence | 4 |
| Quintessence: | 15 |
| Willpower: | 6 |
| Runes: | Fire 3, Death 4, Truth 2, Life 2 |
| Spirit Magic: | Detect, Disruption 2, Farsee , Firearrow 2, Fireblade 2, Heal 2, Ignite, Speedart 2 |
| Rune Magic: | Yu Kargant – Pact 7, Sureshot |
| Virtues: | Bravery 4, Ruthless 3, Devotion 3 |
| Backgrounds: | Allies 4, Contacts 3, Cult Status 2, Destiny 2, Influence 2, Mount 5, Past Lives 2, Ransom 4, Resources 3, Status 1 |
| Flaws & Merits | Vengance -1pt flaw, Natural rider -1pt merit, Separated 1pt flaw |
| Equipment: | Fine Riding Horse, Lonspear/Lance 3pt, Composite bow 3pt, Composite Armour 3pt, Power Storage Crystal 6pt |
Temarnil the Outcast
Former Petty Noble from Imther, Orlanthi Devotee
Termanil is an Orlanthi petty noble of Imther stock, he claims he of noble birthright and was usurped lunar backed coup, and when in exile he fell in with Yalaring and companions as a young man. He is a feared and capable warrior and killed may on the final assault on the citadel when held by the Gadaringer dynasty.
He is a fastidious and well preened man, with a long oiled moustache, well over 6 foot in height, but of thin muscled build. He wears Bronze plate which looks to be of Sundome design & fights with a 2 handed bronze sword.
Turning down a role in Yalaring’s Citadel guards He now leads his own group of 16 men, who often raid across Imther, but often winter in Trilus. Many in Imther think the raids are from Trilus and he is Yalaring’s man. but this is not the case. Temarnil is a natural leader, generous with his friends but highly brutal with his foes. Though he talks of freedom and liberation, but his acts are those of vicious banditry.
He is friendly with Torath and Pay Surney. He also adores Dushi Sone, who healed him from disease when he was on deaths door. Dushi Sone is deeply concerned about him seeing him becoming more bitter as the years go by.
He is fascinated by genealogies and myths being able to recite his family lineage and myths by rote He has told Yalaring on numerous occasions that he must research his genealogy to justify his kingship and it is starting to cause an issue between them.
| Nature: | Predator |
| Demeanor: | Judge |
| Physical: | Strength 4, Dexterity 4, Stamina 4 |
| Mental: | Intelligence 2, Wits 3, Perception 4 |
| Social: | Manipulation 2, Appearance 3, Charisma 4 |
| Talents: | Alertness 3, Artistic 2, Athletics 3, Brawl 4, Dodge 4,Empathy 1,Expression 1, Intimidation 3, Streetwise 3, Subterfuge 3 |
| Skills: | Archery 3 , Etiquette 3, Leadership 4, Melee 4, Riding 4, Stealth 3, Survival 3 |
| Knowledge’s: | Academics 2, Culture 3, Investigation 2, Languages 3, Medicine 2, Myth 2, Politics 3, Divine Lore 3, Spirit Lore 2 |
| Essence | 4 |
| Quintessence: | 16 |
| Willpower: | 5 |
| Runes: | Air 4, Movement 3, Death 3, Man 2 |
| Spirit Magic: | Bladesharp 3, Farsee, Mobility 2, Shimmer 2, Disruption |
| Rune Magic: | Pact 7pt Orlanth- Mist Cloud, Wind Words, Summon Air Elemental |
| Virtues: | Conviction 4, Honor 3, Conscience 2 |
| Backgrounds: | Allies 3, Artifact 4, Contacts 3, Cult Status 4, Dogs 2, Family 2, Influence 2, Mount 4, Past Lives 2, Ransom 4, Resources 3, Status 4, Witta 2 |
| Flaws & Merits | |
| Equipment: | Plate Armor 5pt, 2 handed Sword 2pt, cavalry horse, javelin – 3pt, Matrix of healing 4 |
Ganaring Dreamspinner
A shaman of the impala clan, who like many shamans in Balazar can trace his lineage from Blueface who was never miserly with this seed. He claims Blueface as his maternal great grandfather and is the fourth generation of shaman in his bloodline.
Now in his 50’s he was a mentor and teacher of Yalaring and saw his destiny from an early age. Has guided, trained and magically prepared the young man for the greatness that he foresaw.
He has the shamanic ability to foresee future and potential destinies which lie upon people. However, he does not seek to drive or manipulate history, but sees the threads of destiny and prepares people for what is to come. As he believes your fate and destiny to be a delicate thingswhich can be changed or broken easily.
Keeps out of the public light, letting few know what he is doing. This is including the king and his former comrades. He is currently residing in a cave to the north of Moraks mound. He is assisted by three apprentice shaman who share the cave with him.
Is currently a hero quester, usually partaking in specific quests which he thinks will benefit of the tribe of Trilus.
One ability he received in his heroquesting is he is now able to ink tattoos that move, and both forearms is now are tattooed in the form of a running streams.
His manner is passive and calm. He loves to nurture people and see them grow but is very secretive even with the people he mentors. Has a style of advice giving where he allows people to answer their own questions by asking them questions in return, rarely giving direct advice.
He is however cold and ruthless very willing to sacrifice anyone he knows for the communal good, but if there is no other need to he will keep long lasting friendships.
He has now moved his focus on from Yalaring who he believes has fulfilled his destiny, and is looking to guide and mentor those he will thinks will shape the tribes path through the hero wars. However, he retains of soft spot for his former prodigy.
| Nature: | Visionary |
| Demeanor: | Mentor |
| Physical: | Strength 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina 3 |
| Mental: | Intelligence 5, Wits 4, Perception 4 |
| Social: | Manipulation 4, Appearance 2 , Charisma 5 |
| Talents: | Alertness 4, Artistic 5, Athletics 2, Brawl 2, Dodge 2, Empathy 4, Expression 4 , Intimidation 3 ,Streetwise 2 ,Subterfuge 4 |
| Skills: | Archery 2 ,Commerce 3, Crafts 4,Leadership 4,Melee 2, Stealth 2,Survival 3 |
| Knowledge’s: | Academics 2, Culture 4, Investigation 2, Languages 3, Medicine 4, Myth 5, Politics 2, Divine Lore 3, Spirit Lore 6 |
| Essence | 6 |
| Quintessence: | 21 |
| Willpower: | 6 |
| Runes: | Fire 2, Spirit 6, Harmony 3, Death 2, Fate 4 |
| Spirit Magic: | Spirit Screen 4. Spirit Binding 4, Detect 3 , Ignite, Disruption 3, Dispel Magic 4 |
| Heroquest Abilities | Moving Tattoo’s, Fates of the Tribe |
| Shamanic Abilities: | Fetch, Second Sight, Self Resurrection, Show Spirit, Cure Disease |
| Shamanic Taboos: | Never Sleep in a House, Never eat the meat of an Impala, Never trust a member of another tribe, Never use a metal weapon. |
| Spirits: | Fetch: Essence: 4 Quintessence:10 Runes: Darkness 4, Beast 2, Spirit Magic: Darkwall, Dullbalde 2 Ancestor: Essence: 3 Quintessence:10 Truth 3, Light 3, Movement 1 Spirit Magic: Light, Countermagic Ancestor: Essence: 3 Quintessence:8 Runes: Magic 3, Man 2 Spirit Magic: Countermagic 4, Dispel Magic 4 Healing Spirit: Essence: 2 Quintessence:6 Runes: Earth 2, Life 2 Spirit Magic: Healing 4 Nature Spirit: Essence: 2 Quintessence:4 Runes: Water 2, Movement 2 Spirit Magic: Mobility 3, Extinguish |
| Virtues: | Vigor 3, Trust 4, Generosity 5 |
| Backgrounds: | Allies 2, Artifact 6, Contacts 2, Cult Status 4, Dogs 2, Influence 2, Past Lives 4, Ransom 3, Resources 3, Status 5, Witta 4 |
| Flaws & Merits | Cynical nature 2pt merit, Resonance 3pt merit |
| Equipment: | Fang Dagger -2pt weapon, 1pt furs Spirit Charms; Heal 5,4,3,2,2,2 Dispel Magic 3,3,2,1 Ignite 2,2,2 |
Stats are for WOD:Glorantha I will be doing a post on how to use these stats in an RQ games without converting soon.